A high-tech ‘Pothole Spotter’ which is being trialled in Thurrock is in the running for another national innovation award.

The spotter uses cameras attached to bin lorries to build up a map of the borough’s roads and spot the problems which go on to become potholes so they can be repaired before they become an issue.

It has been shortlisted for a prestigious Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning and Transport (ADEPT) President’s Award. The awards recognise and celebrate schemes that improve resident’s lives, protect and enhance the environment and take advantage of the latest developments in technology to shape places that are sustainable, resilient, accessible, and promote well-being.

It is the latest in a growing list for accolades for the scheme which has already won ‘Best Use of New Technology’ category at the Highways Awards 2017 and has also been shortlisted in the Cross Sector Digital Collaboration of the Year category of the Digital Leader’s Awards 2018.

Thurrock is one of three areas nationwide selected to take place in the Department for Transport trial which is being run by technology firms Soenecs and Gaist.