National Highways Water Quality Priority Locations (2030 Water Quality Plan)

<p><span style='color:#000000;'><strong>Overview</strong></span><br /><span style='color:#000000;'>This dataset contains information on drainage outfalls and soakaways across the National Highways strategic road network that may pose a risk to the water environment. It has been developed as part of the National Highways 2030 Water Quality Plan, which aims to prevent pollution from highway run‑off and improve water quality in both surface waters and groundwater.</span><br /><span style='color:#000000;'>The dataset includes locations initially assessed as potentially high risk, along with the results of subsequent validation and verification work completed in February 2025, and the confirmed high‑priority sites published in October 2025.</span></p><p><span style='color:#000000;'><strong>Background</strong></span><br /><span style='color:#000000;'>National Highways manages England’s motorways and major A‑roads, representing approximately 3% of the national road network but carrying:</span></p><ul><li><span style='color:#000000;'>One third of all traffic,</span></li><li><span style='color:#000000;'>Two thirds of all freight</span></li></ul><p><span style='color:#000000;'>Run‑off from these roads can contain contaminants such as sediments, hydrocarbons, and microplastics generated through:</span></p><ul><li><span style='color:#000000;'>Tyre, brake, and road surface wear</span></li><li><span style='color:#000000;'>Vehicle corrosion</span></li><li><span style='color:#000000;'>Oil, fuel and lubricants</span></li><li><span style='color:#000000;'>Atmospheric deposition</span></li></ul><p><span style='color:#000000;'>Without intervention, these pollutants can impact rivers, canals, lakes, groundwater, and wider ecosystems.</span></p><p><span style='color:#000000;'><strong>Purpose of the Dataset</strong></span><br /><span style='color:#000000;'>This dataset supports National Highways’ commitment to manage road run‑off responsibly and improve water quality by:</span></p><ul><li><span style='color:#000000;'>Identifying drainage assets that may pose a pollution risk</span></li><li><span style='color:#000000;'>Prioritising sites requiring further assessment or treatment</span></li><li><span style='color:#000000;'>Supporting design and delivery of mitigation measures</span></li><li><span style='color:#000000;'>Providing transparency for stakeholders and partners</span></li></ul><p><span style='color:#000000;'>It underpins planning and decision-making for nature-based and engineered water quality solutions, including wetlands, filter drains, and vortex separators.</span></p><p><span style='color:#000000;'><strong>Dataset Contents</strong></span><br /><span style='color:#000000;'>Depending on your specific dataset structure, this typically includes:</span></p><ul><li><span style='color:#000000;'>Asset Reference Number</span></li><li><span style='color:#000000;'>Asset Type</span></li><li><span style='color:#000000;'>Road Name</span></li><li><span style='color:#000000;'>Nearest Waterbody</span></li><li><span style='color:#000000;'>Original Scope or added to Scope</span></li><li><span style='color:#000000;'>WQP Mitigation</span></li></ul><p><br />&nbsp;</p>