Randwick Council’s newest technological recruits checks for footpath cracks, damage and uneven surfaces

The wheels on Randwick Council’s quad bikes are now in motion to inspect and assess the footpaths across the region.

Patrick Kuehleitner on a Randwick Council quad bike to assess the region’s footpaths. Picture: Monique Harmer

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What moves on four wheels, has four mounted cameras, a GPS device and travels no faster than a brisk walking pace?

Patrick Kuehleitner assessing the region’s footpaths. Picture: Monique Harmer

The answer can now be found on southeast Sydney streets where quad bikes have been put into action to assess the state of the region’s footpaths.

The hi-tech form of street maintenance, launched by Randwick Council last week, will involve manned quad bikes roaming the 525km of footpaths across the city over the next two months.

Each vehicle is equipped to capture GPS locations and imagery from multiple viewing angles, allowing the council to come up with a priority list of areas most in need of maintenance.

“It will improve the speed, accuracy and efficiency (of maintenance) to make sure our pathways are safe for everybody,” Randwick Mayor Kathy Neilson said.

“The cameras will be able to pick up any cracks, damage or uneven surfaces … and provide our maintenance team with the information they need to prioritise future works.”

The council said cameras would be focused primarily on footpaths in order to preserve the privacy of residents.

Photographs will be taken at 4m intervals, as well capturing raw data that will be sent back to the council’s planning team.

It is the first time Randwick Council, which spends $1.7 million a year on footpath renewal and repairs, has used quad power for path maintenance.