AI Pothole Detector Puts Sandwell's 'Safest Roads' to the Test
In a unique experiment, artificial intelligence was deployed to evaluate road quality in a West Midlands borough that recently earned a top government rating for road health. The results provided a surprising glimpse into the condition of what are considered some of the region's safest thoroughfares.
Testing the Top-Ranked Roads
Sandwell borough received a 'Green' government rating for its road health score in January, making it one of only two West Midlands local authorities to achieve this status, alongside Coventry. This rating is part of a traffic light tier system that assesses road upkeep and pothole prevalence across local authority areas.
To independently verify this assessment, a journalist utilized an innovative app called Stan, which stands for Safer Travel Around Neighbourhoods. This application transforms a smartphone into a moving pothole detector, using AI to analyze road surfaces in real-time.
The Experimental Journey
The test began in Cradley Heath, Sandwell, where the journalist positioned their phone horizontally in a holder—a departure from typical portrait mode usage—and activated the Stan app. The route spanned diagonally across the borough from the Dudley border to Great Bridge, covering 10.14 kilometers (approximately 6.3 miles) to ensure comprehensive data collection.
During this drive, the app recorded video footage while the AI technology analyzed the road surface for various defects. The journalist navigated purely using road signs and memory, emphasizing a focus on the road assessment rather than navigation aids.
Surprising Findings from AI Analysis
Overall, Sandwell earned a favorable score from the AI system, with the driving 'heat map' predominantly displaying green areas, indicating good road conditions. However, the detailed analysis revealed 13 specific defects along the tested route.
These included eight instances of 'cracking' in the tarmac, two 'joint failures', one case of 'pooling', and two 'potholes'. Notably, one of these potholes was detected on the A457 Oldbury Ringway, a major road in the area.
The presence of these defects, despite the borough's Green government rating, highlights how road hazards can emerge unexpectedly and may be challenging to avoid completely. This experiment demonstrates that even well-maintained roads can have localized issues that require attention.
Implications for Road Safety and Maintenance
This AI-driven assessment provides a complementary perspective to traditional government ratings, offering more granular data about specific road defects. While Sandwell's overall road health remains strong according to both evaluations, the detection of multiple defects suggests ongoing maintenance needs.
The technology showcases how artificial intelligence can enhance road safety monitoring, potentially helping local authorities identify and address issues more efficiently. As road maintenance continues to be a priority for communities across the West Midlands, such innovative approaches may play an increasingly important role in ensuring safe travel for all residents.
