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ITS – examples of systems

Posted on 03 July, 2014

Information about traffic conditions can be used to manage networks and optimise vehicle movements. The NZTA operates three traffic operations centres – in Auckland with Auckland Transport, Wellington and Christchurch. These monitor conditions and allow operators to intervene, for example, by adjusting signals to maximise efficiency. In the future,developing integrated systems is envisaged. Increased levels of monitoring using cheap new sensors and data from smartphones are likely.

Information provided to travellers

ITS can provide real-time information from sensors to transport users and operators. In the future, smartphones and other portable devices will increasingly provide information to users and integrated into vehicle systems. One example is apps providing details about how efficiently a car is being driven. But older vehicles generally lack software and access ports, limiting uptake. Information may increasingly being used by vehicles to automate the decision-making processes – for example, speed limits communicating to vehicles that then adapt to speeds.

Advanced systems to help drivers

Advanced driver-assistance systems – such as electronic stability control and lane-departure warnings – are having positive effects on road safety. Collision-avoidance systems use radar and lasers to detect if a crash is likely to happen. A typical system will alert the driver, pre-tension the seat belts and apply the brakes if a collision is unavoidable. If the fleet gets youngers, New Zealand may see these features becoming more widespread. Adaptive cruise-control systems, which control speeds and keep safe distances from vehicles in front, are becoming common in new mid-range vehicles. In the future, more sophisticated systems – such as co-operative adaptive cruise control – will communicate with following vehicles and inform them if the car brakes suddenly. Collectively, such systems may make vehicles of the future hard to crash. They could also bring fuel-saving benefits and potentially allow vehicles to travel in road trains. This may allow more efficient use of road capacity and reduce fuel use because of the “drafting” effect – like cyclists in a peloton. Prototypes are being trialled globally, but it’s clear how many Kiwi roads would be suitable for these long trains.

Fully autonomous vehicles

Many manufacturers are developing semi-autonomous and autonomous vehicles. These use ITS to sense surroundings and assist the driver in responding to conditions and incidents, or control the vehicle automatically. In advanced cases, cars may not need drivers. In aviation and maritime, fully autonomous vehicles are already being used. Remotely controlled or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) used by the military have received attention. Their use for civilian purposes – such as surveying and emergency management – is growing and New Zealand has some world-leading companies making UAVs. In the future,driverless vehicles may have the greatest long-term potential to revolutionise transport. They could have safety implications and provide opportunities for people to travel who are unable to. Demographic changes will make this important. They could also increase the road network’s efficiency and cut emissions.

Future network planning

Planners use different sources to measure traffic volume and type. This includes technology such as electromagnetic sensors on roads. Newer ITS, such as Bluetooth sensors that pick up signals from passing vehicles, are being used. Information collected in this way is used in models to predict future demand.