Oxfordshire Pothole Detection

Oxfordshire County Council to consider the use of smart cars in detecting potholes.

17:42 27 January 2019

Oxford County Council’s Smart City initiative, which has been exploring the capabilities of Connected and Autonomous Vehicles, is considering using smart cars to help highway maintenance team fix potholes. 

 

Teaming up with Oxbotica, an autonomous vehicle software company, the council is also looking into using the same technology to keep the road safer for cyclists.

 

Llewellyn Morgan, the county council’s head of innovation, said: ‘Experimental CAV cars are fitted with special surveying equipment that measures distance to particular targets using pulsed laser light and a sensor,’

 

‘Could the data be used quickly and accurately to identify where tarmac is breaking up? If so, it could help our highway maintenance teams to fix potholes and plan resurfacing work before further deterioration.

 

Oxfordshire CC’s cabinet member for the environment, Yvonne Constance, said: ‘These exciting projects are turning Oxford into a “living laboratory” where we test technology, discover and develop innovative congestion solutions, and promote healthy transport options.

 

‘By working closely with industry and academics, we can help shape practical uses for ingenious high-tech innovations. It’s a win-win-win; for Oxfordshire’s residents, for local businesses and university researchers.’