New guidance has been published to help councils understand the opportunities and challenges presented by rapidly accelerating advances in transport technology.
The Institution of Engineering & Technology (IET) has launched the second edition of the ‘Local Authority Guide to Emerging Transport Technology’ in association with ITS (UK).
The updated guide is targeted at local government officers, elected members and their consultants and explains how technology can aid delivery of a range of policy objectives, from reducing emissions to assisting smooth traffic flows.
It also features a variety of case studies demonstrating how innovative technologies are already being used to improve local transport services around the country.
The guide is intended to be a 'living, evolving web based resource', incorporating new guidance and case studies as innovative technologies continue to emerge.
IET President Jeremy Watson, said: 'It is important that as new technologies emerge, local authorities are aware of the latest developments and are supported in obtaining the right information on whether such technology is the right option for them.
'By exploring new procurement models and encouraging local authorities to specify technology in a more informed way, the report aims to help local authorities do more for less.'
ITS (UK) president Steven Norris said: There’s no doubt that emerging transport technologies have the potential to provide local transport authorities with important tools to deliver their policy objectives.
‘But those same local authorities are finding it really hard to attract the skilled staff they need to procure and implement these technologies.
‘Cuts to staffing budgets and strong competition for competent Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) specialists combine to make it difficult for those local authorities to be intelligent clients who are able to make the most of the new and exciting opportunities provided by these new technologies.'
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