Oxford City Council Takes Flight: Drones Now on the Job!
Oxford Direct Services (ODS), the commercial arm of Oxford City Council, has announced it’s rolling out a fleet of drones to tackle everything from roof inspections to aerial video shoots. This move marks the first time a council‑owned outfit is putting drones in its own hands, and it’s a clever way to generate extra income for community services.
What ODS Will Do
- Roof & Building Surveying – 7,800 properties on Oxford’s books will be checked from the skies.
- Land Mapping – Precise top‑ographical data for planning and development.
- Aerial Photography & Filming – Eye‑catching shots for marketing, reporting, and fun.
Because drones work faster, cheaper, and safer than traditional methods, ODS can offer these services on a competitive price that fits each client’s needs.
Security & Compliance
ODS is fully licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and employs qualified, insured pilots. All operations follow best practice, GDPR, and local safety regulations – so no worries about privacy or flight permissions.
Why This Matters
Ben Strang, the project lead, had a solid fifteen‑year background as a roofer and knows how hard it is to spot hidden leaks or pest entry points.
“If you’re working on low‑to‑high‑rise housing and you need to know where a problem is, scaffolding is a guessing game. You spend time and money moving the scaffold, only to find the issue elsewhere. Drones let us pinpoint exactly where work is required, saving time, money, and headaches. First‑time fixes are the goal!”
Benefits in a Nutshell
- Faster inspections
- Lower costs
- Less risk for workers
- Higher accuracy
- All profits returned to Oxford’s public services
So whether you need a quick roof check or a stunning aerial film, ODS’s drones have got your back — and they’ll help keep your community thriving.
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