New pothole app launched in Joburg – here’s how it works
The City of Johannesburg, in partnership with insurers Discovery and Dialdirect, has launched the Pothole Patrol App allowing drivers to report potholes using geolocation data.
The app relies on a GPS location, with users given the option of uploading their pinned location on a map, and a picture showing where the pothole is located.
Users can also view the status of their reported potholes within the app to follow up and ensure that they have been fixed. This can be done by registering through the app using the following:
- Name and surname;
- Cellphone number;
- Email address;
- Accepting the terms and conditions of the app.
Before taking a photo or reporting a pothole, the app issues a warning to ensure that users are not driving when uploading information and are in a safe area.
Once this warning has been accepted, users have an option to share their GPS location showing exactly where the pothole is using Google maps data, along with an attached photo.
Once uploaded, users will be issued with a reference number for tracking purposes.
What if I am outside of Johannesburg?
Notably, the app does take note of potholes outside of the Johannesburg area, with this data also shared with the respective municipality.
“The Pothole Patrol app is currently only authorised to repair potholes in the Johannesburg region, as authorised by the Johannesburg Roads Agency,” the app states.
“We will be having discussions with other municipalities to extend our reach and will keep you updated in this regard. In the interim, we will share the reported pothole with your local municipality and request that they record this to be repaired.”
The City of Johannesburg, Dialdirect Insurance and Discovery Insure first launched the Pothole Patrol in May, Since the project’s launch, some 50,000 potholes have been repaired.
The insurers said that the initiative aims to reduce the frequency and severity of road accidents across the city for insured and uninsured drivers alike. It will also help the city align with international road safety standards.
“We’ve made a considerable dent in solving the challenge of potholes on our roads and are pleased to take the partnership forward as we embark on the next phase, using the app and deepening our use of telematics to identify the areas most sorely requiring intervention by the Pothole Patrol,” said Discovery Insure chief executive, Anton Ossip.
“With the launch of the app and bot, we will no doubt make an even bigger difference,” he said.
Motorists can download the Pothole Patrol app from either the Apple App Store or Google Play. Alternatively, one can WhatsApp the word ‘Hi’ to 084 768 4653 (084 POT HOLE) and follow the prompts.
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