Roads are one of the major financial community assets and provide large benefits to the society. But, due to poor asset management, many road networks are in danger. In March 2013, the European Union Road Federation (ERF) published a Manifesto on Road Asset Management (RAM), called ‘Keeping Europe Moving — A Manifesto for long-term, effective management of a safe and efficient European road network’. Together with some essential facts and figures, the Manifesto highlighted the problem of the shortfall in investments all over Europe for the maintenance of the road infrastructure and its dramatic consequences: huge deterioration of the network, higher risks of accidents, problems of congestion, increased noise and a reduced service to society. The problem is that road infrastructure is often not seen as financial asset for society and the economy, largely due to the lack of awareness of its value. The consequence of not fully valuing these assets is similar to increasing our debt - everyone becomes poorer. The Manifesto also made some policy recommendations and called on decisions makers at European, national and local level for actions in order to: • establish a complete inventory of the road network; • conduct regular surveys; • provide sufficient funding for timely maintenance and improvements; • develop a sustainable road’s policy and invest in research and innovation; • implement at all levels coherent and balanced policies for the preservation of the road asset. This Position Paper represents the logical development of the ERF Road Asset Management Manifesto and provides a more detailed explanation of the Road Asset Management principles and solutions. (Author/publisher)
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