This paper aims to promote discussion on the future role of advanced telematics systems in road transport. Many research and development (R & D) projects for such systems are technologically driven, but often do not lead to commercial products. This suggests that a key requirement of current R & D programmes is to identify: (1) the beneficiaries of telematics systems; (2) who will have to pay for various elements of these systems; and (3) how investment in them can be funded. The paper discusses these issues in relation to three broad areas: (1) traffic control and driver information systems; (2) automated driving systems; and (3) safety systems. The speed increase benefits of urban traffic management schemes are approximately as follows: (1) TRANSYT (20%); (2) SCOOT (10%-15%); and (3) dynamic route guidance (DRG) (7%). Their total benefit is about 35%-40% over the period 1970-2010. There has been no natural development path to fully automated driving, but the introduction of AICC (Autonomous Intelligent Cruise Control), still some years ahead, may provide a development path part of the way to automated driving. If AICC technology is adopted by many vehicles, this could be the key to effective accident reduction programmes.
Samenvatting