IRU makes the case for ITS and eyes new technology

During a recent debate on connected vehicles, the International Road Transport Union (IRU) highlighted that intelligent transport systems (ITS) are widely used within the road transport sector to improve efficiency, especially for fleet management, but also in fuel reduction and locating safe and secure parking. While new developments are also seeing communication between vehicles and road infrastructure, resulting in quicker, safer and more fuel efficient journeys, the IRU stressed the need for common s
UTC / December 2, 2013
During a recent debate on connected vehicles, the International Road Transport Union (IRU) highlighted that intelligent transport systems (ITS) are widely used within the road transport sector to improve efficiency, especially for fleet management, but also in fuel reduction and locating safe and secure parking.

While new developments are also seeing communication between vehicles and road infrastructure, resulting in quicker, safer and more fuel efficient journeys, the IRU stressed the need for common standards, harmonisation and interoperability of technology, in order to encourage a greater uptake of ITS.

The IRU further outlined that ITS has great potential for improving road transport efficiency, but their use must remain voluntary, commercial data must be secure, and users must have a real choice of providers. The IRU also highlighted the wide potential of smartphones in providing low cost solutions to small and medium-sized transport operators who find it harder to benefit from expensive new technology.