Utility Survey in Motherwell, Scotland
GPR / PAS 128 Utility Surveys
Offers detailed, accurate mapping of underground utilities, crucial for efficient planning and preventing damages in construction and excavation projects.
Written by J. Jackson | Published: 15th July 2026
As electric vehicle adoption continues to grow across the UK, the demand for reliable charging infrastructure is increasing rapidly. Before any new charging facilities can be installed, however, developers and site owners must fully understand what lies beneath the ground.
We were appointed to carry out a PAS128 Utility Survey in Motherwell, Scotland on behalf of a client planning to install new electric vehicle charging points on a Scottish Power site.
While EV charging projects offer significant environmental and commercial benefits, this particular location presented a unique challenge. The site was situated close to electrical substations and existing power infrastructure, meaning there was a high likelihood of extensive underground electrical services, including high voltage and extra high voltage cables.
Any excavation work undertaken without accurate utility information could have resulted in serious consequences, including service strikes, power outages, project delays, costly repairs and significant health and safety risks.
The client required a detailed understanding of the underground utility network before progressing with the design and installation of the charging infrastructure. Their primary objective was to obtain accurate utility mapping that would provide confidence during the planning and construction phases while ensuring the safety of all personnel working on site.
Our Approach
To ensure the highest level of confidence in the utility data collected, our experienced survey team carried out a PAS128 Utility Survey across the site.
PAS128 is widely recognised as the industry standard for underground utility detection and mapping. It provides a structured methodology for locating, verifying and recording buried services, helping clients make informed decisions before excavation or construction begins.
The survey was completed over approximately 1.5 days on site, with an additional 2.5 days allocated to processing and quality assurance of the collected data.
Using specialist utility detection equipment and survey techniques, our team systematically investigated the site to identify underground services and accurately determine their locations. Particular attention was given to the electrical infrastructure due to the proximity of Scottish Power assets and substations.
As part of the final deliverables, the client received:
- A fully coordinated utility survey drawing with legend and site coordinates
- A comprehensive written survey report
- Quality assurance documentation and checklists
- Risk assessment and method statement documentation
- Detailed manhole cards for every chamber identified on site
The total project value was £5,163 (£6,195.60 including VAT).
How Did Our Client Benefit From a SolidPoint Utility Survey?
Reduced Risk of Utility Strikes
One of the most significant benefits of the survey was the accurate identification of underground services, including extra high voltage electrical infrastructure present within the site boundary.
Utility strikes are among the most costly and dangerous incidents that can occur during excavation works. Damaging electrical cables can lead to major power outages, expensive repairs, project delays and serious injury risks for site personnel.
By accurately locating these services before any groundworks commenced, the client was able to significantly reduce the risk of accidental utility damage and proceed with greater confidence.
The survey data provided a clear understanding of service locations, allowing excavation works to be planned around existing infrastructure rather than relying on assumptions or outdated records.
Improved Health and Safety for Site Operations
Working around electrical substations and power infrastructure requires a thorough understanding of potential hazards.
Our Utility Survey provided critical information that supported safer site operations by identifying the locations of buried electrical assets and other underground services.
This information enabled contractors, designers and project stakeholders to assess risks more effectively and implement appropriate control measures before work began.
Having accurate utility information available from the outset helps reduce uncertainty, supports compliance with health and safety requirements and minimises the likelihood of dangerous incidents occurring during construction activities.
For sites containing complex utility networks, this level of visibility is essential in protecting both personnel and infrastructure.
Greater Confidence for Design and Installation
Infrastructure projects often encounter unexpected challenges when buried services are discovered after designs have been completed.
The detailed utility mapping produced by SolidPoint gave both the client and the design team a clear picture of existing underground constraints before finalising plans for the EV charger installation.
This allowed informed decisions to be made regarding charger locations, cable routes and excavation requirements, helping to reduce the potential for redesigns later in the project.
With accurate utility information available from the beginning, the project team could move forward with greater certainty, reducing programme risk and improving overall project efficiency.
The result was a smoother planning process and increased confidence that the proposed installation could be delivered safely and effectively.
Why Choose SolidPoint?
The successful completion of this PAS128 Utility Survey in Motherwell provided the client with the accurate underground utility information required to progress their electric vehicle charging infrastructure project safely and efficiently.
Working within a complex environment containing significant electrical infrastructure demanded a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. Through the use of PAS128-compliant survey methods, we were able to identify and map underground services, helping to reduce risk, improve safety and support informed decision-making.
For organisations planning EV charging installations, construction projects or any works involving excavation, understanding the location of buried services is a critical first step.
By delivering accurate utility data, comprehensive reporting and dependable survey outputs, SolidPoint helped ensure this Scottish Power site could move forward with confidence, minimising risk while supporting the continued growth of electric vehicle infrastructure across the UK.
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How Can SolidPoint Help Your Project?
At SolidPoint, we are passionate about providing accurate and efficiently collected data for our clients and have worked on numerous projects across the UK. If you are looking to commission a survey in your next project, please don’t hesitate to Get in touch with a member of our friendly team to discuss your requirements and get a free quote.
Alternatively, you can call us on 01332 898350 or email us at projects@solidpoint.co.uk for more information on our services. We look forward to hearing from you!
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