All the footways and carriageways that make up the fabric of the adopted highway are inspected at a frequency of inspection based on their positions within recognised hierarchies. Highways (or parts of highways) are grouped together based on frequencies of inspection to form a series of recognised 'routes' for inspection. These routes are scheduled for inspection over an annual period and form the basis of the inspection regime.

Factors that determine a relative position within a hierarchy include traffic and pedestrian usage that will ultimately affect the determined frequency of inspection. Typically adopted roads are inspected on a monthly or quarterly basis in high amenity areas through to annual inspections.

Data captured as a result of highway inspections is transferred into the asset management system by use of GPRS technology direct from site.

The highways inspectorate provides a 1st line vision of not only Highways Act related matters, but also act as a mechanism by where matters are referred to specific departments under the auspices of varying legislation e.g. Environmental Protection Act. Principal involvement covers the identification and licensing of structures such as scaffolding and hoardings and licensing and of skips within the highway. There exists an interface both between the inspectors and all key stakeholder groups providing an effective referral process for all highways related & enforcement matters.

In addition, EnterpriseLiverpool conduct annual condition surveys of the highway by use of specialised companies and a nationally agreed computer software tool that uses the data collected to determine the performance and deterioration levels of the highway network within Liverpool. This allows for the setting of maintenance priorities, delivery of 'Whole Life Costing', 'Economic Prioritisation' and the projection of network deterioration over multiple future years. The overall aim is to bring Liverpool City Council into the top quartile best performing Metropolitan Authorities in terms of highway performance.