West Sussex County Council trials AI technology to detect potholes

Dashboard-mounted cameras will be installed in eight highway inspection vehicles across West Sussex

An AI technology trial to detect road defects including potholes has been launched by a council.

West Sussex County Council introduced the new technology in a bid to make highway inspections safer and more efficient.

Dashboard-mounted cameras will be installed in eight vehicles across the county.

The trial will use AI to identify defects including potholes, cracking, surface deterioration, and faded road markings, the council said.

The installation of dashboard cameras aims to improve efficiency and safety for highway inspectors, who currently record information manually while driving inspection routes.

Footage from the cameras will be uploaded directly into council systems, where inspectors can review and validate the findings.

Cabinet member for highways and transport Erika Woodhurst-Trueman said: "Improving our roads remains a key priority."

She said new technology was being explored, alongside investment in repairs and resurfacing, in the hope of improving the information the council collected and encouraging "more consistent and informed decision-making" across the highways network.

"We're looking forward to seeing the results and understanding how this innovation could help us continue delivering better roads for residents," she added.

The council hopes the technology will reduce administrative tasks, allowing inspectors to spend more time surveying the road network and supporting other operational activities.

The trial will assess whether the technology can increase the number of miles inspected during each shift, reduce the need for repeat visits, improve the speed of reporting, and enhance inspector safety.

It will also explore potential environmental benefits including reducing unnecessary journeys and lowering fuel use, the council said, adding that it would be reviewed on a regular basis.

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