ITS – planning for the future
The government is hoping its action plan for intelligent transport systems (ITS) will help make transport safer by identifying what’s needed for New Zealand to advance the introduction of the technology. ITS use sensors, computing and communications in vehicles and in transport infrastructure, such as roads, and includes traffic control systems, advanced driver assistance, vehicle monitoring and integrated electronic ticketing. “These systems could transform transport,” says Martin Matthews, Secretary for Transport. “Many – such as driverless cars and the capacity for vehicles to platoon, which is driving closely together like train carriages by being connected electronically – are being trialled in other countries. “The action plan explains the government’s strategic context and leadership role. It takes a high-level, multi-agency approach to ITS. We want to ensure New Zealand is able to take advantage of these technologies and reap their benefits.” The Ministry of Transport (MoT) has developed the action plan with other government departments and agencies following public consultation in 2013. As well as trauma and personal tragedy, the social cost of road crashes is about $3.1 billion each year. The Safer Journeys programme aims to improve road safety. In parallel with this and other action, makers of advanced driver-assistance systems – such as lane-departure warning – will contribute. The NZ Energy Efficiency and Conservation’s strategy for 2011-16 has a target for making vehicles entering the fleet more fuel efficient, and an economy-wide commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions by five per cent from 1990 levels by 2020 and by 50 per cent by 2050. The government’s key areas of focus with transport are economic growth and productivity, value for money and road safety. It has four long-term goals. The system needs to be effective in moving people and freight. It needs to be efficient bydelivering infrastructure and services to the right level at the best cost. Another key word is “resilient” – to meet future needs and endures shocks. The fourth goal is “safe and responsible” in that the systemreduces the harms from transport. ITS can reduce the severity and number of crashes. Other technologies cut emissions by smoothing traffic flow, and improve the efficiency of supply chains by providing operators with real-time information.