10 June 2015

Pothole sensor innovation opens up real-time detection for councils

An innovative research project could soon see cars sharing real-time data on potholes with other drivers and councils, potentially slashing local authority costs.

Jaguar Land Rover’s MagneRide technology has allowed vehicles to scan the road surface and identify the severity of potholes or broken manhole covers, adjusting the car’s suspension in milliseconds to compensate for the hazard. The development could save motorists billions in damage caused by road surfaces, in turn potentially cutting the £2.3m yearly compensation bill thought to be paid out by local authorities.

The firm is now developing technology to share the data with other cars via the cloud, while working with Coventry City Council to understand what information it would be best to share with road authorities and maintenance teams.

Cllr Rachel Lancaster, cabinet member for public services at Coventry City Council said the technology could give ‘a very accurate, minute-by-minute picture of damage to road surfaces, manholes and drains in real time’.

‘We already collect lots of data which we monitor very carefully ourselves but having this kind of extra information might allow us to further improve our maintenance programmes which would save the taxpayer money.’

Researchers are examining whether Jaguar Land Rover’s experimental camera could take an image of the pothole or road damage, sharing this with authorities together with a GPS location.

‘This is just the sort of information that could help us identify the cause of the problem, prioritise it and contact the owner of the manhole or drain to get it fixed more quickly,’ Cllr Lancaster added.

Efforts are also underway to install road surface sensing technology that would support systems that could guide a car around potholes without leaving its lane.

Dr Mike Bell, Global Connected Car Director, Jaguar Land Rover, said the technology would be ‘a key building block on our journey to the autonomous car’.

The cost of vehicle damage caused by potholes in the UK is thought to reach £2.8bn every year. An FOI request from the RAC Foundation revealed councils dealt with 48,664 compensation claims over the 2013/14 financial year related to vehicle damage, paying out £3.2m.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Revenues and Benefits Administration Officer

West Northamptonshire Council
£26914 - £27781
The Revenues and Benefits Administration Officer at West Northamptonshire Council provides essential administrative support across the Revenues and Benefits team. The role involves managing emails, indexing documents, raising orders and supporting financi Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Strategic Commissioning Manager (Markets Team Manager)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Drive real change in your community - shape the future of careDrive real change in your community - shape the future of careAt the Royal Borough of Ke England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£34902.0000 - £50081.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption Mid EssexPermanent, Full Time£34,902 to £50,081 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Sheltered Housing Officer

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£33291 - £34291 per annum
Support residents to live independently in safe, welcoming homes - making every day easier, safer and more connected.Support residents to live indepen England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £32,597 - £36,363
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner