Where changes will have an impact on the SRN (directly or in terms of signing), or the network for the movement of abnormal loads, the authority should first consult the HA.2.16 Unless the agreement of all affected authorities can be obtained, including the Highways Agency where appropriate, then changes to the primary route should not be made.2.17 Where a primary route runs between England and Wales or England and Scotland, the authority should also discuss changes with the relevant local or devolved authority.2.19 Changes to the PRN do not require public consultation or advertisement, and local authorities do not traditionally do so. If changes are made to a route, it must still form part of a coherent and sensible network. A motorist making a regional or national journey should therefore be able to make all but the start and finish of their journey using the PRN should they wish.1.5 The PRN is a devolved matter. The department recognises that neither local authorities nor central government will have comprehensive records of PRN decisions taken before 2012. A roads on the PRN are coloured green on most maps, as opposed to the red of ordinary A roads.The PRN is constructed around a series of primary destinations – significant locations that are likely to attract traffic.

b) roads on an Ordnance Survey map that perform a function similar to classified unnumbered roadsc) the sum total of all classified unnumbered and unclassified roads – i.e. This term is now largely unused except in legislation.Secondary road – roads that are not principal roads – ie B roads, classified unnumbered roads and unclassified roads.C road – another term for a classified unnumbered road. Likewise, where there is a significant effect on flows of traffic from the strategic road network onto the local road network, the proposing authority should ensure traffic continues to flow effectively or contact the Highways Agency.3.16 Where several authorities vest power in a single central body, the authorities may choose to pre-authorise changes within the affected area, without the need for consultation between authorities. In the absence of a standardised national system of numbering, we advise that any local numbering is not displayed on signs.Any updates to the procedure for recording routes will be found on the department’s website.3.30 The local highway authority is responsible for recording classification in their area. Should a local highway authority wish to alter a primary route, it should bear the obligations of this directive in mind. Moving the 10 primary route to a different inter-urban road would count as a significant change, but updating the route to take account of, for example, a new junction layout would not. The HA acts as the highway authority.1.17 This guidance does not cover the management of the SRN.
all roads which do not have a national number associated with themDetrunking - the process of transferring a road from the control of the Secretary of State to a local authority.Highways Agency (HA) – an executive agency of the Department for Transport, responsible for managing the SRN in England on behalf of the Secretary of State.Local Highway Authority (LHA) – the owner of adopted roads in a given area, with legal obligations with regard to maintenance and management. outside of England.1.16 The strategic road network (SRN) is owned by the Secretary of State for Transport, and operated on their behalf by the Highways Agency (HA). To avoid confusion, it is important that numbers are used in a consistent fashion. Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned. In the 1960s, the existing system was overhauled to help deal with an age of mass-motoring.From April 2012, central government will be handing over greater responsibility to local highway authorities for the management of the roads classification system. The highway authority can be expected to provide justification for its changes:3.36 The appeals process is intended to focus primarily on procedural matters, such as where an authority has failed to properly consult neighbouring authorities before making a significant change.3.38 The appeals procedure is not intended to challenge the status of existing classification, and will only apply to changes after April 2012. While authorities had previously done the majority of the work involved in reclassifying a road, they always needed to secure the agreement of the Department for Transport. If a local authority is considering a substantial revision to road classifications that will sharply increase the length of A roads or B roads under their control, we recommend that they contact the department beforehand.3.18 The department will continue to monitor the length of different road categories in each local authority area for statistical reasons, and to identify significant changes that could trigger intervention on behalf of the Secretary of State.3.19 Changes to roads classification do not require public consultation or advertisement, and local authorities do not traditionally do so. Each B road is given a unique identifying number from a list maintained by central government.Classified unnumbered road – third class of classified road, and a tier in the roads classification system. Identified by the local highway authority and approved by the Secretary of State. In the case of disputes over the classification of a road, affected parties may appeal to the Department for Transport for a ruling. Where an authority identifies a discrepancy in the treatment of a road, it may be advisable to complete a classification form to clarify the status of the road.3.32 Authorities may want to consider whether a road’s classification should be associated with a particular standard of maintenance, or any other operational consideration. Where a number ceases to be used, the authority should inform the department, to allow its re-use.3.28 Some authorities choose to number their classified unnumbered roads, and can refer to them as C roads.