The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and ITS UK joint task force is calling for case studies on emerging transport technologies used by local authorities, in order to help explain the potential benefits of new ITS technology and showcase what is relevant and upcoming.
The request for case studies is for the latest edition of the Local Authority Guide to Emerging Transport Technology, which will help local authorities make use of new technologies, such as smartphones and electric vehicles, to revolutionize local transport systems. While there can be no doubt that investment in transport technology can deliver benefits in terms of better operation, increased accessibility and reduced ongoing costs, it is vital to ensure the procurement decisions made by local authorities are suitable for their needs. The joint IET and ITS UK task force is led by Darren Capes, IET transport policy panel member and transport systems manager at City of York Council.
The guide aims to:
• Promote strategic thinking and policy development;
• Help local authorities to deliver their objectives for local transport in a way that reduces ongoing costs through the use of emerging technology;
• Avoid investment in technology that will be overtaken in a few years’ time;
• Ensure local authorities are equipped to get the best out the consultancy services they use, and are able to write briefs that challenge consultants to be innovative;
• Provide confidence that technology decisions made now, will be relevant in the future.
The guide will also help local authorities deliver local transport objectives in a way that reduces cost through the use of new, emerging technology. The report is intended to help local authorities ‘future proof’ their investment in transport technology and ensure decisions made today reflect likely future needs.
Last published in 2014, the previous edition featured case studies on: the use of RFID technology to help disabled crossing users; the use of smartphones and tablets to better manage traffic technology in Dublin in Ireland; the European eCall emergency system; providing free traffic information in Sweden to stimulate the use of new technology; Sunderland’s integrated transport and weather information pilot in the north east of the UK; using smartphones to determine road and cycle path condition status; the Milton Keynes electric bus program in the UK; air quality monitoring and carbon reduction targets; and a smart street lighting pilot in the UK county of Hampshire.
The new guide will highlight case studies where emerging technology is already being used in order to create a more efficient local transport system. For inclusion in the printed guide, case studies need to be submitted by September 30. Although the publication is primarily targeted at UK local authorities, contributions are welcome from anywhere in the world, if the technologies would be relevant and applicable in the UK.
