Thursday, 20 June 2024
A recent study by Austroads has highlighted the requirements and interests of local governments as they prepare for the growing presence of connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) on their roads.
The study found that many councils do not feel prepared for the introduction of higher levels of automated vehicles.
Joanne Vanselow, manager of the Austroads Vehicles and Technology Program highlighted the significant role local governments play in managing a substantial part of the road network.
“Local government manages 75% of Australia’s and 88% of the New Zealand road network. This places councils at the forefront of shaping the future of transportation for connected and automated vehicles,” she said. “It is important they are ready to make the changes needed to ensure their roads are ready for increased numbers of vehicles equipped with this kind of technology.” The study identified ten key topic areas councils need to consider to prepare for vehicles with higher levels of connectivity and automation:
- legal considerations
- land use and transport planning
- physical infrastructure readiness
- digital infrastructure readiness
- capability building
- road safety considerations
- managing traffic movements
- financial impacts
- environmental and socio-economic impacts
- stakeholder and community readiness.
Actions are suggested to support current vehicles that still have a human operator, and longer-term highly and fully automated vehicles that can operate by themselves.
The study produced two reports, one that examines the current readiness of local government and one with around 270 detailed actions to improve readiness.
Together, they offer comprehensive guidance aimed at helping local governments better prepare for the integration of connected and automated vehicles into their local road networks.
“The researchers have taken into consideration both the current vehicles, which rely on human operation, and future vehicles, which have the potential to be fully automated,” said Joanne. “The report presents long-term solutions for the integration of CAVs, a challenge that will soon confront all local governments.”
Download the reports:
Preparing for Connected and Automated Vehicles: Resources for Local Government
Local Government Readiness for Connected and Automated Vehicles
Webinar
Join us for a webinar on Friday 21 June 2024 at 1 pm AEST with David Yee and Andrew Somers designed to help people working in local government across Australia and New Zealand to navigate the evolving landscape of connected and automated vehicles.
No charge but registration is essential. Can’t make the live session? Register and we’ll send you a link to the recording.