Can you dig it?

An Australian company has launched an online service that aims to help out contractors who dig up roads.

BeforeUdig, an Australian company setting up business in the Warwick Science Park, Coventry, has launched an online service that aims to help out contractors who dig up the roads.

In use, the company's web-based software allows digging contractors to register where they are digging.

Next, the BeforeUdig software will request underground asset plans on their behalf from the relevant asset owners.

The contractor is then given a list of the notified asset owners and is made aware that it is only safe to commence work once they have received responses from all the asset owners on the list.

Each dig site request costs £20 (+VAT) but BeforeUdig are offering a free trial period from now until February 2009.

Marcus Edwards, of BeforeUdig, said: 'By reducing the risk of cable and pipeline accidents at dig sites, our service is not only potentially saving lives and injuries to workmen, it is also reducing disruption of key services to the community.'

BeforeUdig.co.uk is a service offered by and owned by PelicanCorp based in Melbourne, Australia, which was introduced to the region by Advantage West Midlands, which is responsible for working overseas to promote the region and generate inward investment.