Ministers have launched a £2m fund to allow English councils to capitalise on emerging technologies on the roads.
The Department for Transport (DfT), which is inviting councils to bid for a share of the money, said proposals might include using technology that will allow vehicles to communicate with each other and roadside sensors to provide the drivers with real-time traffic information.
Weather and traffic conditions could be sent directly to vehicles
Councils should also examine how warnings about changing weather and traffic conditions can be sent directly to vehicles, allowing drivers to plan ahead, the DfT said.
Roads minister Andrew Jones said: ‘I want to deliver better, more enjoyable journeys and this £2m fund will help councils invest in new technology to enhance the experience of driving.
‘Britain has a proud history of innovation and I am delighted that councils will be able to use this money to develop systems to make journeys easier and safer.’
The DfT said bids for the co-operative intelligent transport systems funding competition would range between £30,000 and £300,000 and councils are expected to provide at least 5% of the project’s cost.
Councils across England have until 5pm on 30 September to submit their bids with the winners revealed in November. Schemes would be expected to complete by March 2018.
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