A group of leading intelligent transport systems experts from around the world, including Ian Patey of WSP in the UK, have published a report into the challenges and opportunities for road operators and road authorities when it comes to automated vehicles.

The World Road Federation PIARC’s report covers physical infrastructure issues around subjects such as road signs, lane markings and city planning as well as connectivity requirements, digital infrastructure, road operation impacts, financing and social factors.

It recommends authorities should monitor AV testing and seek feedback from manufacturers concerning any difficulties experienced due to infrastructure – both physical and digital – suggesting a staged testing regime for automated vehicles should be developed, involving all relevant stakeholders. It also calls for authorities to build the digital infrastructure to complement and complete the physical infrastructure “picture”, take responsibility for data and standardisation, create new legal frameworks and to take the lead in collaboration.

The full 88 page report is available here.

(Picture – PIARC)