The Norwegian Public Roads Administration received strong criticism in a new report from the Auditor General’s Office. 

“Highways in Norway require extra follow-ups due to demanding terrain and changing climate. 

“Therefore, it is extra important that those in charge follow up on safety properly. 

“It is frightening that the Norwegian Public Roads Administration does not inspect and follow up the safety installations as they should,” Auditor General Per-Kristian Foss noted in a press release.

Insufficient overview

The Norwegian Public Roads Administration does not have a sufficient overview of the conditions and safety level of installations and equipment in the road network, according to the report presented on Tuesday.

The Office of the Auditor-General has checked 10 of the 80 contracts for the operation of national and European roads.

The agency conducts general inspections, as required, but the findings are only partially followed up. 

General inspections should be carried out weekly to detect deviations from the standard on national roads.

In addition, an annual “simple inspection” should be carried out to register conditions that affect safety. 

Furthermore, a “main inspection” should be carried out every five years to check all road conditions.

Shortcomings

“With regard to annual individual inspections and five-year main inspections, it is mostly not documented that such inspections have been planned or carried out. 

“That means that the Norwegian Public Roads Administration does not have an overview of the conditions or the safety level of all the objects in the road network, and they thus can’t determine what kind of measures are needed,” the report warned.

The Office of the Auditor-General concluded that the road network is not monitored in accordance with the requirements, which should ensure that people can travel safely on Norwegian roads.

© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today