Specialist vehicles will begin checking the Isle of Man’s roads for surface damage and skid resistance from Monday, November 2, as part of a month-long survey.

The Department of Infrastructure has appointed highways surveying company XAIS-PTS to assess the condition of the island’s road network and help identify where maintenance is needed.

Motorists may spot marked survey vehicles travelling around the island, although the department says little or no disruption to traffic is expected.

Two types of survey, known as SCANNER and SCRIM, will be used to examine road surfaces and assess their safety.

SCANNER technology uses lasers, cameras and other sensors to identify defects and measure the profile of roads. It can detect cracks, potholes, surface deformation and uneven sections.

SCRIM testing measures how much grip road surfaces provide in wet conditions, helping to identify locations where further investigation or maintenance may be required to improve safety.

The findings will help the DoI assess the wider highway network, prioritise repairs and plan future spending on road maintenance, and support longer-term maintenance planning decisions.

Survey vehicles are designed to operate safely alongside other motorists and travel with the normal flow of traffic.

A DoI spokesperson said: ‘The surveys form part of the Department's ongoing commitment to managing the island's highway network through a data-led and evidence-based approach, helping to maintain safe, resilient and well-performing roads for residents, businesses and visitors.’

The department said the results would help ensure repairs are targeted at roads most in need of attention and public money is used effectively.

The work is expected to take approximately one month, during which drivers may encounter the survey vehicles on roads across the island.

Further information about the surveys is available at https://tinyurl.com/mwhrkpa8.