Net Zero x Vision Zero - integrated through ITS

This paper was presented at the 2021 ITS World Congress, in Hamburg, Germany.

 Authors: 

Thomas Grahamslaw, Associate, WSP in the UK
Michael Bray, Senior Consultant, WSP in the UK
Axel Kappeler, Associate Director, WSP in the UK
Michael van der Sanden, Graduate Consultant, WSP in the UK

As a global society we face unprecedented challenges, from climate change to the economic, health and social effects of a pandemic. These are refocusing our attitudes and acceptance of many aspects of life, and mobility forms an integral part in these discussions. Global transport strategies are reacting to these challenges and aiming towards safer and more sustainable systems. Net Zero and Vision Zero are two future outcomes that frame the opportunities; combating climate change and delivering transport systems where nobody is killed or seriously injured are now key focus areas for society.

Successful delivery requires integration of both ‘zeros’. Without a whole system approach the two have the potential to diverge and compete, creating challenges that may prevent outcomes being achieved. This paper explores how digital transformation, driven through intelligent transport systems (ITS), enables transport to embrace data, technology and connectivity to work towards a common path to delivery of strategic outcomes of Net Zero and Vision Zero.