Seven candidates have been shortlisted to progress with trialling innovative road freight Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) and associated technologies in Victoria.
Vehicle Monitoring Corporation, Transtech Driven, Robert Bosch, ARRB Group, Q-Free, HERE and BIGmate are the seven shortlisted companies for the trials coordinated by VicRoads and Transport Certification Australia (TCA).
The candidates will now prepare to trial technology that will improve the operation of heavy vehicles and promote Victoria as Australia’s freight and logistics capital.
VicRoads Director Road Operations, Nick Fisher, said in a statement the shortlisted organisations all identified potential Cooperative ITS solutions that align with Victoria’s road freight priorities.
“Victoria has a strong reputation as a leader in freight and logistics and it is important that we are doing what we can to ensure that remains so,” he said.
“From large-scale projects on major roads, to smaller local improvements, these trials will benefit all Victorians.”
Once finalised, VicRoads and TCA will progress on-the-group deployments over the next 12 months.
The trials will include a range of ideas such as technologies that can improve traffic signals for heavy vehicles, advise drivers of rest area locations to manage fatigue and alert them of low clearance or other restricted routes.
If one of the trials of a particular technology proves successful, VicRoads will seek Victorian Government funding to further develop and implement that technology across the road transport sector.
“These trials will provide an opportunity for organisations to demonstrate applications of technology during the ITS world Congress in Melbourne next year,” said Mr. Fisher.
Trials are expected to begin later this year.