Milestone Infrastructure has been working with TAKELEAP Ltd. on a trial of its innovative technology, SeekRight Road, to better ensure the safety of road users and improve its data on the highway assets.

The trial, which took place on a five-mile stretch of road in Guildford, Surrey, tested the effectiveness, efficiency, and accuracy of SeekRight Road technology. The software uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) video analytics to identify and categorise infrastructure assets, such as roads, bridges, signage and other transportation assets. It is then able to identify those that require maintenance.

Using cameras attached to Milestone vans, the trial collected video data, both during the daytime and nighttime, to ensure non-illuminated and illuminated assets were captured. On the test road, SeekRight Road not only accurately detected the assets that were expected but it also detected several additional assets that were missing from the master asset database.

After collecting the data, SeekRight Road displayed the results in an easy-to-understand format, using geo fencing to ensure assets were mapped at the right coordinates, making it both quicker and easier for operatives to detect the precise location of any areas requiring maintenance.

SeekRight Road showed that it was able identify anomalies and irregularities with precision- from worn signs to critical defects. The night trial proved that the AI-driven video analytics works effectively in low light conditions. Working this way, SeekRight Road detected and reported lighting defects, enabling Milestone’s street lighting team to react quickly and effectively.

The speed with which SeekRight Road could detect areas needing maintenance was a significant step up from the current manual approach. Regular use of this technology will help to keep road users safe, as areas requiring critical improvement will be identified much faster.

Speaking on the trial, Steven Frost, Head of Digital & Innovation at Milestone Infrastructure, said: “The trials we are undertaking with TAKELEAP Ltd showcase our continuing commitment to innovate and improve our daily operations. The learnings from the trial show great potential for other areas of Milestone's business.”

Kristof Harling, Executive Director At TAKELEAP Ltd, added: “Ensuring safer highway and road conditions is driving innovation across the road asset management and maintenance sector. TAKELEAP Ltd is excited to be working with the Milestone team in bringing such innovation into the heart of their operations and delivering value for all stakeholders.”

Milestone is now looking to run the same test across five wards in Surrey, and is in discussion with its highways maintenance contracts to assess the full range of ways in which this tool can add value for its clients.

At M Group Services’ we are committed to using innovative solutions to put the health, safety and wellbeing of our people and the public first.