Highways Agency

Network Operations

The Network Operations Directorate (NOD) changed its name from Traffic Operations to reflect our more strategic and proactive role in operating the road network. This is the HA’s largest directorate, key to our transformation into a full time ‘round the clock’ operator of the motorway and trunk road network. Besides the traditional focus on maintenance, NOD is constantly striving to deliver a better service to customers by making journeys safer and more reliable. We’ve taken over a large proportion of the patrol and incident management role previously played by the Police; we’re bringing in new technologies to keep road users informed; and we’re focusing more on ‘holistic’ management of the whole network asset. This encompasses three core elements: Planning, Delivery and Operation.

Planning improvements to the network involves building relationships with key stakeholders and working with road users, as well as analysing operational data to influence our decision making. Effective delivery comes from good partnering with contractors and consultants to maintain the road network and improve its safety, reliability and environmental impact. Operation of the road network is now driven by our recently established Traffic Officer Service, a nationwide patrol force responsible for congestion, incident and crisis management, supported by seven Regional Control Centres across the country. At the hub of this network is the National Traffic Control Centre, based in the West Midlands, collecting, analysing and communicating motorway travel information to make the lives of road users easier, safer and more reliable.