The application of quality systems to the processes used to provide road services for customer must be complemented and preferably preceded by quality systems for road maintenance and construction. Fitness for purpose of work on the road itself is essential. From a small but growing record of experience, it seems that a 2-5 year period is required to establish a quality system but benefits are obtained right from the start. The most commonly used alternative source of funding is tolling. Road authorities are improving investment decision-making by developing better economic and environmental assessment and prioritisation techniques, particularly for road maintenance.
Most authorities investigate the needs of road users through surveys.
However, there is still only a weak linkage between the identified needs and the decisions taken by the authorities. These links are being strengthened. As budgets for improvement decrease, road authorities are seeking to make the best possible use of the existing network. They are playing a bigger role in traffic management alongside the traditional role of asset management. Organisations are developing improved corporate, business and operational strategies to improve their functions.