DfT seeks digital map of England's roads

The Department for Transport (DfT) has initiated engagement with industry suppliers to develop a single, national digital map of England's road network. This move is intended to consolidate existing road data, identify any collection or derivation gaps, and explore practical commercial and licensing models. The department published a request for information (RFI) earlier this month, asking suppliers to detail current road data availability, potential new data sources, and feasible ownership structures.

Digitising Traffic Regulation Orders

Read Next in London Travel News2 min read

Hospital shuttle bus to be axed

Staff will be directed to use the TfL Superloop service as cost-saving measures take effect.

A primary motivation for this initiative is the digitalisation of Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) through the D-TRO programme. TROs define local traffic regulations, such as parking restrictions and speed limits. The DfT noted that many of these regulations are currently held in paper records, scanned documents, or disparate local datasets. Requiring each local authority to individually digitise its historical TROs would impose significant costs and administrative challenges, according to the department.

A centrally managed digital baseline is expected to minimise duplication of effort and facilitate broader public sector use. The RFI outlines potential applications including monitoring road conditions, managing infrastructure assets, assessing accessibility, planning bus infrastructure, and optimising freight routes. It could also support digital twin projects and future mobility systems. The DfT also highlighted its potential to prevent bridge strikes.

Market Engagement and Next Steps

Related Borough Coverage3 min read

Bromley Council imposes 18‑month traffic restrictions for Thames Water repairs

Four roads, Avondale Road, Berrys Hill, Bromley Road and Yester Road, face waiting bans, one‑way systems and possible closures from 7 October while essential water works proceed

Suppliers responding to the RFI have been asked to identify existing datasets, coverage gaps, update frequency, and quality standards. They are also expected to describe national-scale data collection capabilities, including imagery, Lidar, video, and sensor technologies. Recommendations on data capture accuracy and proposals for ownership and licensing models that balance public access with data re-use are also requested. The DfT has asked suppliers to explain how sensitive locations or personal data in imagery would be managed.

The department anticipates that if the plan proceeds, a procurement notice will be published in December. The contract for the digital map is likely to span from January 2027 to December 2028.