We’ve been working to make our street light inspections safer and more efficient by conducting a trial of drone inspections on high mast lighting in Reading.
Working on behalf of Reading Borough Council, our team collaborated with Highways Drone Services (HDS) to reach heights of up to 30 metres in a heavily trafficked area. The trial involved capturing unique serial codes from the lighting units to assist with ordering spares.
Inspecting high mast lighting traditionally involves traffic management and road closures, while an operative is lifted on a large platform. Our team found that the drones offered a safer, quicker solution by accessing hard-to-reach areas and capturing data without the need for extensive equipment and traffic disruption.
Our team captured all the required serial numbers, also assessing the structural integrity of the streetlighting columns, identifying any rust or corrosion. They also evaluated ground stability, drainage and local conditions that could affect the asset’s lifespan, helping to better plan maintenance.
This successful trial demonstrates drone potential, and our team plan to use them more frequently across our contracts.
Simon Woodford, Milestone Street Lighting Business Director, said: “Our strategy is to embrace technology and drive innovation to enhance the services we deliver. Drone inspections are just one of the tools we use to improve efficiency while maintaining safety and quality, ultimately delivering better value to our clients.”
At M Group Services, we’re constantly evolving, renewing and reimagining, finding the right technology to protect people and the planet.
Watch the Video HERE
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