WSP Advises On Automated And Zero Emission Vehicles
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WSP Advises On Automated And Zero Emission Vehicles

The introduction of automated and zero emission vehicles will change the way we move around our streets, cities and regional areas.

To understand more about what these changes may look like, Infrastructure Victoria appointed WSP to assess the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure requirements of  nine possible future scenarios for introduction of automated and zero emission vehicles in Victoria.

Infrastructure Victoria has now released WSP’s report that forms part of the evidence base that provides infrastructure advice to government on automated and zero emissions vehicles in Victoria.

The report explains, "analysis undertaken by WSP estimates that automated vehicles will send and receive approximately 20 megabytes per driving hour – half of which is data communicated by the vehicle, while the other half is received by the vehicle.

The team found that exchange of real-time information, while enabling maximum  efficiency and safety of automated vehicles, will only be possible if the vehicles are connected to each other and the infrastructure around them. For example, provision of critical updates on unexpected changes in traffic conditions such as an accident, or flooding on the road.

A centralised user-centric view of the network would require new and enhanced ICT infrastructure to collect, integrate and manage the different control and reporting systems. WSP’s analysis suggests that doing so would require a high level of coordination between public and private organisations in sharing the data.

According to Julien Marr, WSP’s Intelligent Transport Lead in Victoria, there is a need for increased cellular data coverage to enable automated vehicles. He says, “The increase in coverage across Victoria will have the greatest impact on regional Victorians, improving safety and mobility options in these areas.”

We believe it is critical that the most vulnerable road users such as elderly and disabled users, have the same accessibility to services and improve livability and equity across Victoria.

Traffic signals can play a key role at intersections to provide ‘advice’ to some vehicles and talk to others , and it is imperative that this is understood, planned and designed to achieve the future benefits of these systems.

WSP also highlighted that data ownership, privacy and security will be the foundation to any future open data arrangements.