Scottish Road Research Board

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Overview

The Scottish Road Research Board (SRRB) is a partnership between Transport Scotland, the Society of Chief Officers of Transportation in Scotland (SCOTS) and the Scottish Road Works Commissioner (SRWC).

We annually commission research and development work to deliver improvements in safety, construction, operation and maintenance of the Scottish road network.

Our Objectives

Our objectives are to promote and deliver innovation; share new products, techniques and knowledge across Scotland’s road sector. We aim to:

  • coordinate research activity within the roads community to provide a targeted, prioritised, focussed framework to the development of new processes, procedures, proprietary products and materials across all sectors, properly undertaken and communicated to all
  • establish better formal links with academia
  • identify new appropriate potential sources of research funding
  • establish links with other bodies undertaking road related research, coordinate activity and communicate results and research activity to the wider roads community.

Our Priorities

Our delivery priorities include:

  • improved connections across Scotland and internationally
  • better journey times, better reliability, quality and accessibility
  • low carbon technology & infrastructure, reduced emissions
  • increased safety, more innovation
  • continuously improving performance and organisation

How we Work

The SRRB comprises a Board of senior roads professionals from Transport Scotland, SCOTS and the SRWC with research conducted on our behalf by specialist research contractors and / or consultants. 

We meet on a quarterly basis to co-ordinate and prioritise ongoing research and to consider new bids for funding.

Our research programme is co-ordinated and managed by a Programme Manager who performs a Secretariat role in providing overall coordination and reporting to the SRRB.

Eligibility & Selection

Projects must be roads related and fall within the context of defined research themes, and realise real benefits in terms of safety, operation and functionality of trunk and local roads.

We assess each project proposal, and those aligning with our delivery priorities are incorporated into our research programme.

How We Are Funded

The research programme is jointly funded by Transport Scotland and SCOTS.  Our research budget is around £400,000 per annum.

How We Report

All project reports and other relevant information are disseminated to the roads community in the form of technical reports, advice notes and guidance documents. In most cases, reports are uploaded to this website on a regular basis.

We also recommend projects for presentation at national events such as Road Expo.

For more information on the SRRB research projects, please contact our mailbox at SRRB@transport.gov.scot

News

SRRB announces 2024-25 research programme

The Scottish Road Research Board is pleased to announce its 2023-24 research programme. The list of new projects includes:

  • Enabling the low-cost, high-coverage monitoring of hydraulic action on transport assets
  • Flood Risk Analysis - Machine Learning Project
  • Semi-automated satellite-based landslide mapping for time-series identification of persistent and emergent risks to the Scottish Trunk Road Network
  • Predicting landslides for widescale resilience to extreme rainfall: Where and when are slopes more at risk of failure?
  • Walking data - success metrics and systems impact
  • Asphalt Delivery Vehicle Insulation
  • GPR Reinstatement Thickness

Please see the research programme for further details.

Project themes

The themes of the SRRB research programme are aligned with the Scottish Government’s purpose and seek to encourage research projects that support the activities of both trunk and local road authorities.

Environment and sustainability

Such as:

  • consideration of the environmental and sustainability impact and effectiveness of transport infrastructure related practices and schemes
  • consideration of practices, materials, proprietary systems, techniques and technologies that may be used to improve the environmental and sustainability performance of the transport network

Additionally, transport related carbon reduction and net zero research topics are considered relevant to this research theme.

Climate change impacts and climate change adaptation

Such as the consideration of practices, materials, proprietary systems, techniques and technologies which can be adapted to build a safer, reliable and more resilient transport network. 

The circular economy 

Such as the consideration of practices, materials, proprietary systems, techniques and technologies to encourage optimal utilisation of Scottish resources and retain valuable material in the transport network.

Lean design, designing out waste and valued engineering solutions are included in this research area of interest.

Maintenance and operation of roads and other transport infrastructure assets

Such as consideration of practices, materials, proprietary systems, techniques and technologies that may be used to maintain the serviceability of the transport infrastructure during winter or other adverse weather conditions or events.

This also includes research to further explore maintenance and operations while anticipating an increase in extreme weather events.

Additionally, how resource exchange mechanisms can be used to ensure resources and energy efficiency throughout the network to extend the life of the transport network’s materials and structures. 

Geotechnical and drainage engineering

Such as consideration of geotechnical and drainage parameters affecting strength and durability of transport infrastructure assets.

Design standards, specifications and materials

Such as consideration of road construction materials, construction methods and techniques on the strength and durability of carriageways, bridges, retaining walls and other transport infrastructure structural assets.

Road and transport safety and security

Such as consideration of the effectiveness of road safety strategies and initiatives. This includes research that informs the development, technical performance and effectiveness of road safety systems, strategies and initiatives.

Bridges and structures

Such as consideration of materials, proprietary systems, design and construction techniques monitoring performance or other technologies in relation to the strength, maintenance, operation and durability of bridges, culverts, footbridges, underpasses, retaining walls, high mast lights and other transport infrastructure structural assets.

Traffic and transportation

Such as traffic modelling and consideration of the service levels, capacity, economic performance and cost effectiveness, and growth for roads and other transport modes.

Health and equalities

Such as consideration of technology, material, innovation and services that:

  • improve health (e.g. air quality)
  • encourage equalities (including demographic, geographic, socioeconomic and protected characteristics)
  • reduce inequality in relation to the transport network

Road works

Such as consideration of materials, construction methods, techniques and innovation around the performance and impacts of road works reinstatements and ancillary activities. 

The key aim shall be to provide research which can inform road works policy development and lead to minimising impacts of road works on the environment, road users and the wider community.

Eligibility and selection

To be eligible for funding, projects must be roads related and fall within the context of the research themes outlined above.

Projects should realise real benefits in terms of safety, operation and functionality of trunk and local roads in delivering the Scottish Government’s Purpose.

In addition, projects should:

  • be of priority to the Scottish roads community
  • investigate Scottish circumstances where these are likely to differ from the rest of the UK
  • demonstrate a sound business case.

Projects are assessed by the Programme Board, and those aligning with our delivery priorities are incorporated into the research programme.

On-going contributions and memberships

Current research projects

Suitability of Kerb Profiles

Continuation of research into kerb heights across Scotland. Phase 1 saw the completion of a research-based study examining the minimum and maximum range of kerb heights and form for roads. The study concluded that there is a lack of available academic evidence behind the specification of kerbs considering inclusive mobility. It identified that there is a potentially huge research commitment to provide kerbs that deliver maximum accessibility for all user groups.

Phase 2 continued the research, looking into the kerb heights and profiles currently used across the Scottish road network through site surveys. Establishing opportunities for improving kerb heights and characteristics a number of sites were presented in interviews.

Phase 3 will build upon the Phase 2 research, continuing the data gathering to identify personas and improve the sampling evidence base for developing a more standardised approach to kerb designs and settings which consider inclusive mobility needs.

Phase 4 study is to establish the ranges of kerb heights and profiles which provide the best all round inclusivity and to comment on the issues found by user groups.

Adaptive Flood Level Markers

Study to develop a Decision Support System (DSS) for the road bridges managed by Transport Scotland based on the “adaptive” Flood Level Marker. The system will calculate water level thresholds for structures over water for different scour scenarios and, according to new information on scour depth collected by a monitoring system, inform the inspector about which water level threshold triggers a prioritised inspection.

Effectiveness of Mammal Mitigation in Reducing Wildlife Casualties on Trunk Roads

To research the effectiveness of mitigation for mammals on Scotland’s trunk roads. Both a desk study review and field surveys are proposed to undertake this research.

Accessibility of Zebra Crossings (Phase 3)

The first phase, undertaken during 2020/2021 involved information gathering. This comprised a literature review and consultation with key stakeholders, as detailed below.

Phase 2 explored in more detail the findings from Phase 1, engaging directly with individuals aged over 65, and individuals with disabilities, to better understand their views and experiences of Zebra crossings. The purpose of the research study is to explore how reasonable adjustments could be made to Zebra crossings to ensure they meet the needs of individuals with protected characteristics. By doing so, the following secondary aims could be realised:

  • Identify areas for improvement in perceived safety for people with a disability;
  • Influence current and future practice in the deployment of Zebra crossings across Scotland on all road types;
  • Promote good practice in the deployment of Zebra crossings.

Phase 3 builds on the findings from previous phases. The objectives for Phase 3 are:

  • To learn from existing Zebra crossing accessibility trials/ innovations;
  • To engage with young people and people with cognitive impairments, groups underrepresented in previous phases of research;
  • To explore the feasibility and deliverability of suggested improvements from Phase 2 research findings;
  • To investigate a trial of one or more of the Phase 2 suggested improvements;
  • To influence attitudes, awareness, and behaviours amongst drivers/riders in relation to Zebra crossings;
  • To produce a series of recommendations relating to the design of Zebra crossings and/or their surroundings, primarily with regards to increasing perceptions of safety for vulnerable users.

The research is supported by the University of Edinburgh (UoE).

Impact Assessment of Zero Emission Economic Development Activities

The project objective is to identify methods of appraising return on investment for zero emissions / decarbonisation mobility innovation projects within the road environment. The team will conduct an evidence assessment of the literature relevant to the topic, consult with internal and external experts, and synthesise the findings and implications for the appraisal process.

Completed research projects

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

Student Research

The Scottish Road Research Board provide opportunities for students to apply for research funding. Research proposals are invited from students which explore and deliver improvements in safety, construction, operation and maintenance of the Scottish road network.

Student Research Competition 2024

Can you deliver research that will benefit the Scottish road sector?

The SRRB are offering £10,000 in funding for research proposals which explore and deliver improvements to the Scottish road environment.  

Proposals must be roads related and should fall within the context of the project themes defined on the SRRB website.

Submissions are now being accepted, closing 13th December 2024. Successful candidates will be notified in January 2025.

To apply, you should use the application form below, making sure to explain your methodology, objectives, timescale, risks, deliverables and funds required. Please keep your response to no longer than 2 sides of A4.

FAQ’s

Who can apply?: This competition is open to undergraduate students, postgraduate students, or groups of students, from across Scotland.

How much is available?: The SRRB have a total of £10,000 available to help fund research projects.

What happens next?: Following the deadline a dedicated panel appointed by the SRRB will meet to assess applications. The panel findings will be announced in January 2025.

Further opportunities: Where possible we can connect you with Roads professionals to provide guidance during the research period. All successful applicants will be expected to present their completed research to the SRRB, and have their work published on the Transport Scotland website.

For more information please contact: SRRB@transport.gov.scot

Previous Research Funding Awardees

2023

Feng Zhang - University of Strathclyde

Research into the effects of eggshell powder on the performance of ultra-high-performance concrete for structural repairs.

2022

Angus Dickson - University of Strathclyde

Development of a low-cost bathymetric survey system combining a sonar sensor and remote-controlled boat.

Euan MacDonald - University of Strathclyde

Research into Scottish Trunk Road fragility to extreme rainfall.

This report may not be fully accessible.

Florian Ahrens - Heriot-Watt University

School run to Net Zero Transition Lab research.

Rocco Panetta - University of Strathclyde

Sustainable Ultra-high-performance fibre-reinforced concrete for bridge preservation and repair