The Pavement Condition Index (PCI) has become a reference standard to objectively measure the condition of road pavements. In Italy, road authorities have specific monitoring and custody obligations.
The regulatory framework
Article 14 of the Italian Highway Code places maintenance, management and cleaning of roads on the owning authority. Italian case law has repeatedly confirmed that lack of knowledge of the network's condition does not exempt from liability for damage to people or property.
What it means in practice
- Periodic survey of pavement condition
- Historical record of surveys
- Traceable planning of interventions
How PCI makes life easier
Having an objective PCI value for each segment enables prioritising interventions, justifying spending choices and demonstrating the authority's diligence in case of litigation.
