Austoads this month has commissioned a pivotal study to assess the key issues road operators are set to face with the introduction of automated vehicles on Australian roads.
WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff has been awarded the contract for the study project, which will involve a literature study, stakeholder discussions and the development of a guidance document to understand these issues and best guide the introduction of automated vehicles.
The Austroads website quotes Austroads Program Director Cooperative and Automated Systems, Stuart Ballingall, as saying: “This project is intended to review both international and local literature and initiatives, and seek the input of key stakeholders regarding the emerging requirements for AVs to operate on public and private road networks in urban and rural environments. The key deliverable from this project will be guidance to road agencies, private road operators and other key stakeholders on what changes may be required to the way road networks are managed, so there is a consistent approach towards supporting and optimising the outcomes from the introduction and use of automated vehicles.”
Austroads is also undertaking other projects to investigate the potential registration and licensing issues with the introduction of automated vehicles, as well as the safety benefits involved in cooperative intelligent transport systems and automated vehicles.