Wollongong has given the green light to ramp up the use of high-tech cameras on its garbage trucks to spot potholes and other issues that need fixing on its 1000km of roads.
The city council undertook an initial 12-week trial of the technology, known as Intelligent Defect Management (IDM), to determine if damage to roads could be identified earlier, work prioritised and repaired in a timely manner.
While this initial trial in May 2023 focused solely on potholes, council said it was keen to understand the potential wider benefits of the technology.
A second trial phase commenced in mid-July 2024, with the scope broadened to include multiple road defects.
IDM identifies road defects like potholes, damaged signs, faded line markings, guard rail damage and cracking, allowing council to identify and prioritise repairs based on the severity and risk to road users.
The trial captured defect data via cameras installed in six Remondis waste collection trucks and a further four council vehicles. All the vehicles travel regular weekly routes and, together, cover around 90 per cent of council’s road network each fortnight.
The data collected by the vehicles creates detailed mapping and monitoring of the road surface over time. The information gathered is also cross referenced with customer service requests.
Since the implementation of the trial, council said it had identified and repaired more than 800 potholes.
“Road works and repairs form a significant part of Council’s works and budget,’’ Wollongong City Council Director Infrastructure and Works Joanne Page said.
“The regular mapping allows for a pre-emptive approach to improve the efficiency and cost effectiveness of our road maintenance processes and, most importantly, ensure the safety of our residents and road users.”
Council said it will look to formalise use of IDM through a tender process that will open shortly.