Aberdeenshire Council is the latest local authority to switch to a fully integrated version of FixMyStreet Pro for managing street, highway and environment fault reports from members of the public.
A brand new, customised FixMyStreet Pro service has been launched by SocietyWorks for Aberdeenshire Council to create a better and more efficient reporting experience.
Designed as a progressive web app, FixMyStreet Pro enables Aberdeenshire to offer a digital service accessible from any device, either as a web page or downloaded to a home screen as an app, and includes offline reporting functionality.
The initial launch includes an API integration into the Council’s existing asset management system Confirm, enabling report data and updates to be shared to and from report-makers automatically. This integration also enables assets such as bridges, drains and streetlights to be displayed on the map for increased report accuracy.
The launch also includes an integration between FixMyStreet Pro and mygov.scot, giving residents and council staff the ability to log in to Abderseenshire’s FixMyStreet Pro service using existing council credentials.
To help Aberdeenshire Council reduce duplication and increase transparency, FixMyStreet Pro displays all reports on the map and suggests potential duplicates to users at the point of making a report, with an option to subscribe to the existing report.
Additionally, the service has been connected with the Scottish Road Works Register to display scheduled roadworks and utility works on the map, aiming to eliminate unnecessary contact.
Meanwhile, should a user attempt to report a problem outside of Aberdeenshire’s boundary, the service will divert the report to the correct authority via the national FixMyStreet service, run by SocietyWorks’ parent charity mySociety.
Bill Lennox, Roads Manager at Aberdeenshire Council, said:
“Aberdeenshire Council recognised a need to improve the customer experience when they contacted us about road related issues. The historic system developed in house had limited functionality and poor integration with our asset management system. For residents, this made the process of notifying us of defects and being updated on progress unsatisfactory.
“We have been working with SocietyWorks to introduce FixMyStreet Pro. This system will integrate with the Council’s website and app to provide a much more streamlined experience for customers. The improvements will mean that customers have greater sight of issues in their area, they will be kept up to date on progress, and they will be provided with more relevant information about the topic they have raised.
“From a maintenance perspective we expect far fewer duplicate enquiries from customers and fewer requests for updates on repair progress. All of this will be delivered by close integration with our asset management system, which means staff will not be required to undertake any additional tasks as part of their day to day working.”
Angela Dixon, Managing Director at SocietyWorks, said:
“When it comes to providing public-facing reporting services for local problems, councils and highways authorities need technology that enables them to work together while keeping citizens at the front and centre.
“As a small social enterprise owned by a charity, it is wonderful to have Aberdeenshire Council’s trust in transforming its highways service provision through our FixMyStreet Pro solution.
“This launch is the first of its kind in Scotland, with Dumfries and Galloway also in development, and represents a new chapter in FixMyStreet Pro’s history. I look forward to following Aberdeenshire’s progress with the new service and adding their influence to FixMyStreet Pro’s future.”
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