Star Rating
Importantly Star Ratings can be completed without reference to detailed crash data.
Using specially equipped vehicles, software and trained coders, EuroRAP inspections focus on more than 50 different road features that are known to influence the likelihood of a crash and its severity. These features include intersection design, road markings, roadside hazards, footpaths and bicycle lanes.
The Star Rating methodology can be used on a variety of road types and allows individual sections or road networks to be assessed and compared on the same basis. Star Rating is complementary to road safety audits, with Star Rating quickly assessing the general standard of a route, and road safety audits identify detailed deficiencies.

Road Inspections
- Road Survey – A specially equipped survey vehicle records images of the road as it travels along
- Road Coding – Road features are recorded from image data by coders, according to protocol
In 2006, the EuroRAP General Assembly resolved that suppliers should be accredited and licensed by EuroRAP for Star Rating projects approved by active members. The accreditation and accredited supplier list are managed by iRAP centrally on behalf of EuroRAP. The network of accredited road safety professionals and companies capable of competitively bidding to provide high-quality RAP assessments is growing.
Road Coding
The attributes include intersection design, number of lanes and markings, roadside hazards, footpaths and bicycle facilities. All attributes record are set out in the iRAP Star Rating coding manual (which can be found on the specifications page). The coding manual can be tailored to a specific country to reflect local variations.
At the completion the road coding data is uploaded to ViDA for validation and processing. From here it is possible to produce a detailed condition report showing the proportion of the different road attributes recorded across a network, for example the paved shoulder widths and the number of locations that have adequate run-off protection. This data forms the basis for Star Ratings and the Safer Road Investment Plan.
Supporting Data
Charges by the Association for Services
From 1st January 2011, the Association introduced a scale of charges for processing of road inspections as a fair and efficient way for contributions to the costs of maintaining the Association and its systems. The scale of charges is constructed so that processing charges are not a major cost in relation to the overall cost of projects. The typical processsing charge is €5 per km and all accredited technical suppliers must ensure this charge is included in their tenders to Members to enable proper comparative tender evaluations to take place.
For more information
James Bradford European Development Director james.bradford@eurorap.org