Achieving the impossible – delivering net zero digital road networks

Net Zero ambitions will only be achieved through challenging the norm and making difficult decisions. This applies to all aspects of life from powering our homes and businesses, to the way in which we travel. Road networks are at the centre of this global challenge; carbon emitted from vehicles using roads is one challenge, the other relates to embodied carbon in the vast infrastructure requirements to safely operate networks. Digital transformation is however, changing the ecosystem in which roads are operated, this disruption offers opportunities to rethink our approach to network operation.

As digital begins to facilitate new operational models for road transport, the need for roadside assets changes. Information provision is one such example; through advancements in vehicle technology, content is accessible to drivers at the touch of a button, is there still a role for roadside messaging or can the industry transition towards in-vehicle systems that pave the way for more environmentally focused networks.

In this downloadable paper, WSP explores the considerations needed across the whole system, that if addressed would support the successful transition to greener roads and support achievement of Net Zero ambitions.
Download the paper on the right. 

Setting the context

Achieving Net Zero across road networks is a common focus and challenge globally. This paper explores how one component of the shift could be realised using a whole system approach. The paper uses England's motorway network as the primary use case, but the findings are equally applicable across road networks worldwide where roadside technology forms a key component of the operational regime.

As set out in National Highways vision for Digital Roads, adoption of an ever growing fleet of connected and autonomous vehicles will shape a new motorway network, one that is less reliant on roadside assets to support the safe and smooth flow of traffic. Shifting away from roadside technology also has significant benefits for decarbonising the network, contributing to two of National Highways key objectives set out in their Net Zero Highways plan; corporate emissions (specifically use of electricity) and maintenance and construction emissions (from not having to build, maintain and renew assets).

Achieving Net Zero ambitions will be challenging and will require changes to the way we develop, deliver and operate our road networks, now and into the future. More focus will need to be given to collaboration across the transport system, and the role of all system designers to deliver aligned change.

Digital transformation is enabling opportunities to rethink the role of roadside infrastructure, specifically technology assets that have traditionally enabled the safe and efficient operation of road transportation. Removing these assets to contribute to achieving Net Zero ambitions is now becoming a possible future but requires collaboration across all parties involved and management of evolving expectations.

With any significant change we must consider the impacts across the whole system. Decisions in one area of the system can have impacts across other component parts leading to unintended consequences if not considered as a whole.

Delivering lasting and positive change requires decisive action and bold decision making, removal of roadside technology is one such decision that could accelerate the transformation of roads that paves the way for a greener future.