United Kingdom
Changing traffic rules to introduce autonomous driving
Traffic Technology Today, 20.04.2022
The UK government has amended the rules of the road to clarify the responsibilities of drivers of autonomous vehicles.
According to the new rules, during autonomous driving, the driver, upon notification of the system, must be ready to take control in a timely manner, for example, when the car is approaching a motorway exit. Drivers will also be allowed to view non-driving content on the cars' built-in displays, but the use of mobile phones in autonomous driving mode will still be prohibited.
The first British autonomous cars will start arriving on the country's roads this year.
They will be thoroughly tested and approved for operation only if they meet strict safety standards.
The UK government expects that by 2025 a complete regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles will be created, which will facilitate the widespread adoption of this technology.
The introduction of the technology will probably begin with vehicles moving at low speeds on motorways, for example, in traffic jams.
"The traffic rules have been updated several times in recent years to reflect the rapidly changing transport world, including in the field of autonomous driving," said Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation. "Driverless driving technologies in cars, buses and goods delivery vehicles can put an end to urban traffic jams when traffic lights and cars start interacting with each other to maintain smooth traffic, reduce emissions and improve air quality in cities. "
Spain
Barrier-free toll collection system
Technology Today, 22.04.2022
Kapsch TrafficCom is creating a barrier-free toll collection system for heavy vehicles on several high-capacity roads in the Biscay region of northern Spain.
The system allows you to automatically manage road tolls without the need to stop the vehicle, increasing the safety and convenience of movement for users.
The 12.5 million euro project is funded by the state-owned Interbiak company and will be implemented jointly with Construcciones Amenábar for about 20 months.
Kapsch TrafficCom's Multi Lane Free Flow (MLFF) technology collects and processes data on vehicles on toll roads automatically and improves traffic conditions. All sensors and equipment included in the collection point can be combined in one device.
The system can identify and record front and rear license plates, continuously monitor all vehicles and electronic payment devices (tags) that pass through the toll collection and control point, and send data to the central Interbiak system for processing. Cars that are not equipped with TAG can associate their license plate with a means of payment authorized by Interbiak.
USA
Carbon Reduction Financing Program
Technology Today, 21.04.2022
The Federal Highway Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation has announced a new $6.4 billion Carbon Reduction Program (CRP), under which a wide range of projects aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions from the highway sector will be implemented over five years.
The CRP program includes projects aimed at combating climate change and saving combustible fuel — from the installation of electrification infrastructure for trucks and cars to the construction of dedicated lanes for high-speed bus transportation and paths for cyclists, pedestrians and users of micro mobility devices. Under the CRP, state governments should also develop emission reduction strategies in collaboration with federal planning organizations.
As US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigic noted, "the carbon reduction program will bring the country closer to the "ambitious goal of halving emissions by 2030".
Experimental corridors for the development of electric vehicle infrastructure
Technology Today, 20.04.2022
Ray and Geotab performed an initial analysis of two pilot corridors: one regional route along Interstate 20 from Dallas, Texas to Atlanta, Georgia, and one local route from Savannah to Atlanta, Georgia.
The Departments of Transportation (DOT) of the states are developing plans to create an electric vehicle charging infrastructure with an interval of 80 km on the reference highways. Since 70% of all cargo in the United States is transported by medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, which account for almost 24% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transportation, electrification of the fleet will have a significant impact on the overall reduction of GHG emissions.
Ray, using Geotab telematics, will help state and local governments determine the optimal locations and layout of charging stations for both passenger and freight transportation.
Geotab data analysis will allow Ray to determine the optimal places for installing solar panels to meet the needs of vehicles in electricity. Together using these tools, DOT states will be able to link the demand for powerful charging stations for electric vehicles with the potential production of solar energy in the exclusion zone.