Vehicles fitted with cameras and gyroscopes are helping Western Downs Regional Council meet the challenges of maintaining almost 7600km of roads.

A roof-mounted camera captures a still image approximately every 10m, which is then analysed for edge breaks, pot-holes, bitumen stripping, cracking and squashes.

The purpose-built gyroscopes record vibrations to give a reading on the ‘rideability’ of the road, including unevenness and irregularity in driving conditions.

The council’s engineering team has been patrolling the region’s expansive network of roads in recent weeks using two cars fitted with this technology.

Council spokesperson for works and technical services Greg Olm said the data collected would allow council’s infrastructure services team to prioritise the roads most in need of maintenance across the region.

“Council is being proactive in identifying the need for road repairs across the region, through the use of this innovative technology,” Cr Olm said.

“Well maintained roads are vital to the liveability and economic growth of our region and ensure we’re connecting our major industries to local suppliers and markets, keeping the Western Downs ‘Open for Business’.”

Photo: Cadet technical officer Jason Cook has been using the new technology to survey Western Downs roads.