Transport technology trade body ITS UK has published a new report ahead of the Budget, calling for a renewed focus on motorway technology as a means of improving the network.
The Report, A Future State for the UK Motorway Network, calls for a ‘national motorway transition strategy’, to improve safety, reduce congestion, lower carbon emissions and make the road network future-ready.
The strategy would consist of three parts: first, the maintenance of current roadside technology; second, preparing for the increasing roll out of connected vehicle services in the medium term; and third, getting ready for automated mobility in the future.
ITS UK states in the report that to deliver this strategy effectively, local authorities, national and sub-national transport bodies must work together, through a programme of renewal, maintenance and enhancement of technology.
Chief executive Max Sugarman said: ‘It is vital, as we approach the upcoming Autumn Budget, that we continue to invest both in current existing technology on the network, as well as in the technology required for the network to be future ready, including for both connected and automated vehicles.
‘That is why our new report advocates for a national motorway technology transition programme that sets out a key path for the maintenance and future investment in motorway technology, bringing together local authorities, private sector suppliers and national and sub-national transport bodies to ensure best practice and joined up approaches.’
