Member Article

Summit to focus on road technologies

A summit hosted by the joint government and industry body, the Automotive Council is set to address road congestion and safety, putting business opportunities at the top of the agenda.

Government figures show that by 2030, road use will have grown by 25-30%, and the ‘intelligent mobility’ conference focus on how to exploit UK talent in the development of new technologies.

Automotive manufacturers, fleet operators, IT and communications specialists and infrastructure providers will address the challenges of how ‘congestion-busting’ solutions developed in the UK could help attract foreign investment as well as boost the UK economy.

Business Secretary and Co-Chair of the Automotive Council Vince Cable said: “Increasing road capacity while tackling congestion means we will need to be more intelligent in managing the road network and the vehicles that use it.

“Intelligent mobility could also benefit the economy allowing businesses to be more competitive, reducing logistics costs, giving more predictable journey times and reducing CO2 emissions.

“Achieving an intelligent mobility solution will need different sectors and disciplines working together. Today’s summit has started that debate.”

The Government is aiming to make the UK the technology hub of Europe, and the establishment of the Transport Systems and Future Cities Catapult Centres will enable greater collaboration between world leading UK businesses, innovators and academics.

Transport Secretary Justine Greening said: “Technology is changing rapidly and it’s vital we move with it to develop an intelligent road transport strategy.

“Tackling congestion is a priority and technology will play its part. It’s important that individuals are able to tailor their journeys based on up-to-date information, making their journeys easier.

“Our focus is to support economic growth, reduce environmental impacts, and to support the safety and security of road users.”

Automotive Council Co-Chair Professor Richard Parry-Jones said: “This summit represents a chance for the UK’s auto industry to bring more R&D investment into the country.

“Designing cars that intelligently navigate their way through traffic is the kind of challenge that calls on the country’s combined auto heritage and budding technological expertise.

“Networked vehicles under digital control are going to become the future of car manufacturing.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .