We’ve had calls wondering if they’re mobile temperature checkers and others suspected they were Police on the lookout for people flaunting social distancing and lockdown laws. But we are happy to report these space-age looking dune buggies are actually hard at work surveying footpaths across the Northern Beaches.

The four cameras mounted to each vehicle collect data on the condition of our footpaths and adjacent street furniture, garbage bins, fences and rails. The data is collected to assess damage, trip hazards and other dangers and helps Council asset managers plan for path upgrades and replacement and repair of other items.

The footpath survey is undertaken every four years across more than 550km of Councils roadside paths. The data is fed into Council’s forward planning for upgrade works. Any immediate and imminent dangers are reported and prioritised to help keep our neighbourhoods and community safe.