UKAS slip testing for
highways and roads.

Why highways and roads commission UKAS accredited slip testing

Highway authorities and their contractors use EN 13036-4 pendulum testing for road surface skid-resistance assessment and for pedestrian-surface slip resistance on maintained footways. UKAS accredited results are the defensible format for Section 41 Highways Act compliance, contractor acceptance, and post-incident investigation.

Specific issues we see in highways and roads

• Pedestrian crossings. Painted zebra crossings and raised crossings polish under wheel and pedestrian traffic. Periodic re-testing captures degradation.
• Footway surfaces. Paving, asphalt, concrete — different surface types, different testing protocols. UKAS accreditation covers the full range.
• Bus stop waiting areas. Peak pedestrian density at discrete locations. Paving condition monitoring is routine for passenger transport authorities.
• Road surface skid resistance. EN 13036-4 SRT testing for carriageway skid resistance. Distinct protocol from pedestrian slip testing.

Which standards apply

EN 13036-4 for road surfaces and highway-maintained footways. BS EN 16165 Annex C for pedestrianised public realm. UKSRG Issue 6 protocol throughout.

What you get

• UKAS accredited pendulum test report (Lab 7933)
• PTV results for every test location, dry and wet
• Interpretation against BS EN 16165 and UKSRG benchmarks
• Photographic record of test locations
• Measurement uncertainty statements (required for admissibility)
• 5 working day turnaround from site visit to report

Common questions

Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) testing?

Yes — SRT testing to DMRB specifications is within our accredited scope for pavement skid resistance.

Contractor acceptance testing for a new road?

Pre-opening SRT acceptance testing is standard on major schemes. UKAS accreditation is typically a contract requirement.

Post-RTC pedestrian crossing investigation?

Post-incident testing for highway authority investigation work — a regular workstream.

Who commissions this?

Highway authorities directly, or Tier 1 contractors on schemes where UKAS accredited acceptance is contract-mandated.