Tuesday, 12 August 2025
To support safer and more efficient transport across Australia and New Zealand, Austroads has released new guidance to improve how road agencies share and manage data. The research report – Approach to Standardised Road Agency Data Provision for Safe and Efficient Journeys Using Harmonised Access Points – outlines a conceptual model to help jurisdictions better use and exchange data across borders.
Drawing on existing practices from the European Union, the report proposes the development of harmonised access points (HAPs), which would serve as a foundation for a future national data exchange. These HAPS have the potential to improve the use of traffic and safety-related data by vehicle operators and connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) by providing consistent real-time traffic and safety-related information.
“Better data sharing practices means we will be better equipped to support connected vehicles and other data users,” said Joanne Vanselow, Austroads Program Manager for Vehicles and Technology. “By enhancing data practices and encouraging shared definitions and quality benchmarks, this model has the potential to significantly improve safety outcomes and efficiency across transport networks.”
Developed through literature review and industry consultation, the report outlines the current state of data provision for CAVs, identifying practices and challenges across jurisdictions, and highlights how the concept supports national objectives, including those outlined in the 2024-27 National Connected and Automated Vehicle Action Plan.
“Ultimately, this report lays the groundwork for a nationally coordinated data exchange framework,” said Joanne. “Harmonisation of data sharing practices is a really important part of broader initiatives to improve road safety and efficiency. This report offers important insights into how data provision could work more effectively across varying agency systems.”
The report also explores a pilot initiative involving multiple Austroads member agencies deploying their own HAPs. By gathering and processing data from internal systems and external providers including speed limits, road features, and local hazards, this data can then be delivered to service providers and end users in a more streamlined way.
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Thursday 16 October 2025 at 1:00 PM AEDT | Presented by David Yee and Simon Kowaltzke. The session includes live Q&A.
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