As part of its ongoing commitment to improving the safety and efficiency of streetlight inspections, Milestone Infrastructure teamed up with Highways Drone Services (HDS) to introduce drone technology for inspecting high mast lighting in Reading. This trial marks a significant step forward in Milestone’s drive to embrace innovative solutions that not only enhance operational efficiency but also align with its carbon reduction and social value objectives.
The trial, conducted on behalf of Reading Borough Council, involved using drones to inspect lighting columns up to 30 metres high in a busy urban area. Traditionally, such inspections require complex traffic management, road closures, and large lift platforms to reach these heights safely. However, the use of drones eliminates these challenges, providing a quicker and safer method for gathering crucial data.
One of the key benefits of drone inspections is their ability to access difficult-to-reach areas without the need for costly and disruptive road closures or the use of high-risk equipment like cherry pickers. With the drones flying above busy roads and gaining access to the tops of the high mast lights, the team was able to capture vital serial codes from the lighting units. These codes are essential for maintaining accurate records and streamlining the ordering of spare parts.
Alongside collecting serial numbers, the drones were also used to assess the structural integrity of the lighting columns. This included identifying signs of rust and corrosion that may affect the longevity of the assets. Additionally, the drones provided an opportunity to inspect surrounding ground conditions, drainage, and other environmental factors that could impact the streetlighting infrastructure’s lifespan.
The trial demonstrated the power of drone technology to not only reduce inspection times but also to improve the overall quality of data collected. By minimising the need for traditional traffic management and manual inspection methods, Milestone and HDS were able to complete the trial efficiently, ensuring that the project remained within budget and completed ahead of schedule.
Simon Woodford, Milestone Street Lighting Business Director, highlighted the significance of the trial: “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.”
Marc Hobbins, Director at Highways Drone Services, commented: “The collaboration with Milestone represents a huge step forward in how we can revolutionise streetlight inspections. By utilising drone technology, we can deliver faster, safer, and more accurate data, all while reducing the disruption caused by traditional inspection methods. This partnership is a great example of how technology can support the evolution of infrastructure management and enhance sustainability.”
The collaboration with HDS, a leader in drone-based infrastructure inspections, plays a vital role in Milestone’s ongoing efforts to evolve its services. HDS’s expertise in drone technology and its application in asset management is instrumental in helping Milestone enhance its offering and meet the evolving demands of the highways sector. Through the use of drones, Milestone is taking significant steps towards creating a safer, greener, and more efficient future for streetlight maintenance.
Drone inspections are a prime example of how technology can help transform traditional industries, providing safer, faster, and more cost-effective solutions.
With plans to extend the use of drone inspections across more projects, Milestone is setting the stage for a future where technology and innovation continue to drive the development of smarter, more sustainable infrastructure solutions.
