Local authorities across the UK face growing challenges in managing highways and transport services. From budget constraints and rising public expectations to meeting environmental targets and maintaining critical infrastructure, the demand for evidence-based decision-making has never been greater.
The National Highways and Transport (NHT) Network exists to support councils in addressing these challenges. As a subscription-based benchmarking and service improvement organisation, the NHT provides local authorities with robust data, comparative insights, and collaborative opportunities that help them deliver better services for their communities.
What is the NHT Network?
The NHT is a unique partnership of local authorities across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. By subscribing to the NHT, councils gain access to:
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Comprehensive data collection on key service areas such as highways maintenance, road safety, accessibility, public transport, walking, cycling and environmental performance.
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Resident satisfaction surveys carried out independently, providing clear, comparable insights into how local people view services.
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National benchmarking tools that allow councils to measure their performance against regional, demographic and national averages.
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Tailored reporting that translates raw data into actionable insights for strategic planning and decision-making.
This combination of data, analysis and collaboration creates a reliable evidence base that councils can use to improve service delivery and demonstrate value to residents.
Why Benchmarking Matters
Highways and transport services are highly visible and directly affect public perception of a council’s performance. Benchmarking provides councils with the means to:
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Understand performance in context – comparing results with similar councils highlights areas where services are performing strongly and where improvements are needed.
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Track performance over time – consistent data collection enables councils to monitor changes and measure the impact of policy or investment decisions.
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Support difficult choices – objective evidence provides a clear foundation for prioritising resources, especially in times of financial constraint.
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Learn from peers – by seeing how others have tackled common challenges, councils can adopt proven approaches and avoid repeating mistakes.
Turning Data into Action
One of the greatest strengths of the NHT is its ability to transform data into practical solutions. Councils can use the findings to:
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Set and monitor improvement targets based on robust evidence.
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Engage residents by responding directly to satisfaction levels and concerns identified in surveys.
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Strengthen funding bids and business cases with comparative and independent data.
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Shape policies and strategies with a clear understanding of both local and national issues.
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Drive innovation by adopting best practice identified across the network.
The NHT provides not only the numbers, but also the narrative — enabling councils to demonstrate accountability and transparency to councillors, stakeholders and the public.
A Collaborative Network
The NHT is not just about data. It also provides a forum for collaboration and shared learning. Councils that subscribe become part of a network of like-minded authorities, working together to address common challenges and raise the standard of highways and transport provision nationwide.
Through events, reports and peer engagement, member councils can:
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Share case studies and success stories.
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Explore innovative approaches to service delivery.
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Build professional connections with colleagues across the sector.
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Contribute to the development of national insights and trends.
This collaborative element ensures that membership delivers value beyond the numbers, helping councils to build capacity and confidence in their decision-making.
Why Councils Join the NHT
For many local authorities, joining the NHT has become an essential part of their service improvement strategy. The benefits include:
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Independent validation of performance through resident surveys.
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National benchmarking that highlights strengths and opportunities for development.
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Practical insights to guide investment and resource allocation.
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Transparency and accountability through clear, evidence-based reporting.
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Continuous improvement driven by year-on-year comparison and shared learning.
In short, the NHT gives councils the tools they need to make informed decisions, manage expectations, and demonstrate progress.
Supporting Better Outcomes for Residents
Ultimately, the goal of the NHT is to support councils in delivering highways and transport services that residents value. By using benchmarking data, engaging with resident feedback and learning from peers, councils can make confident, evidence-based decisions that improve safety, accessibility, sustainability and overall satisfaction.
The NHT Network helps councils turn challenges into opportunities — ensuring that highways and transport services are fit for the future, while meeting the needs of communities today.
