QR Codes Installed On Rights Of Way Structures

An initiative that allows visitors using the Powys rights of way network to report problems on footbridges, boardwalks and other structures has been completed. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

1,267 plaques with Quick Response (QR) codes have been installed on structures across the county as part of a project by Powys County Council’s Countryside Services Team. QR codes are used to provide easy access to information through a smartphone or tablet device. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

For this project, when someone scans in the QR code on the plaques, it takes them to an online form where they can easily report problems with that particular structure. The plaques also include a telephone number and email address for those without access to a smart device. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

Each plaque has an identification code for that particular structure, which should be quoted when someone reports issues they have encountered. The presence of a plaque does not indicate that Powys County Council is the owner, or is liable for the structure. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

The project has seen 496 installed in north Powys, 568 in mid Powys and 203 in south Powys. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

A visual condition survey of all the bridges were carried while the plaques were being installed. A programme of bridge maintenance and improvement works has been developed following the condition surveys. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

Cllr John Powell, Cabinet Member for Countryside Services, said: “With over 2,300 structures on our rights of way network that stretches over 9,000km in length, carrying out regular inspections has its unique challenges. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

“Installing the QR codes on our structures will go towards helping overcome these challenges. Users will be able to report any problems they encounter using their smartphone or tablet device immediately using the identification code. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

“When we receive a report, our rights of way officers will then have the exact location of that structure and will visit it to inspect it and to see what repairs are needed. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

“It is important we maintain these structures as it allows our rights of way network to remain open, allowing people to enjoy the beautiful Powys countryside.” ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​