Stage 1 Road Safety Audit

A Stage 1 Road Safety Audit is an independent early-stage review of proposed highway works to identify safety issues before a scheme progresses to detailed design stage. TTC provides clear, practical Stage 1 RSA for developers, consultants, and design teams who need trusted advice from experienced transport planning professionals.

What Is a Stage 1 Road Safety Audit

A Stage 1 Road Safety Audit is the first formal audit in the RSA process. It is typically carried out at the preliminary design stage, before the detailed design is finalised, so that any potential safety concerns can be identified and addressed early.

The purpose of the audit is to assess whether a proposed scheme could create unnecessary risks for road users, pedestrians, cyclists, and or other highway users. By reviewing the design at an early stage, potential issues can often be resolved more efficiently, reducing the likelihood of costly redesigns later in the project.

Why It Matters

Stage 1 Road Safety Audits play an important role in the planning and delivery of highway-related schemes. They help ensure that safety is considered from the outset, rather than being left until construction is underway.

For developers and project teams, this can mean fewer delays, better-informed design decisions, and a scheme that is more robust when it comes under scrutiny. It also gives stakeholders confidence that the proposal has been reviewed independently and in line with established road safety principles and regulations.

What TTC Brings

TTC delivers Stage 1 Road Safety Audits with a focus on clarity, professionalism, and responsiveness. All our lead auditors hold a National Highways Approved Certificate of Competency, giving stakeholders confidence that their audit is being led by appropriately qualified professionals.

Our Stage 1 RSA Services Include

• Independent review of the preliminary design and supporting information
• Identification of potential safety issues affecting all road users
• Clear and proportionate recommendations to help inform the design
• A structured audit report written in a straightforward, easy-to-follow format
• A practical, collaborative approach that supports the wider project team

Our service is designed to help projects progress with confidence. We understand that an audit needs to be independent and objective, but it also needs to be useful in a live project environment.

Our expert RSA auditors know how to identify issues clearly, communicate them in a straightforward way, and provide recommendations that support the next stage of design. Our work is shaped by real transport planning experience, so the advice we give is always grounded, proportionate, and relevant to the scheme in front of us.

Who This Service Is For

Our Stage 1 Road Safety Audit service is suitable for a wide range of clients and project teams, including:

• Developers and landowners
• Planning consultants
• Highway and civil engineers
• Architects and masterplanners
• Local authorities and public sector teams

Whether the scheme involves a new access, junction changes, highway improvements, or a wider development proposal, a Stage 1 Road Safety Audit can provide an important layer of independent review at the right moment in the design process.

When Is A Stage 1 Road Safety Audit Needed

A Stage 1 RSA is normally commissioned once the initial design has taken shape but before the detailed design is locked in. This allows potential safety concerns to be identified early and gives the design team time to make changes efficiently where needed.

It is particularly relevant for schemes that introduce new or amended highway layouts, change vehicle or pedestrian movement patterns, affect visibility, or alter the relationship between a development and the surrounding road network. If a scheme has the potential to affect how people move safely through or around a site, a Stage 1 road safety audit should be part of the process.

Related Services

Stage 1 Road Safety Audits form part of a wider road safety audit process. Depending on the stage and nature of the scheme, further audits may also be required as the design develops.

TTC also supports clients with a broader range of transport planning and highway services, helping to provide continuity across the wider planning and design process. This holistic approach can be especially valuable on complex schemes where safety, access, and movement all need to be considered together.