National Harmonisation and Pre-deployment research

Research to increase capability uplift of Co-operative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) technology.

This project aims to conduct a comprehensive deployment of short-range technologies for traffic management and multimodal use cases at the network level.

View of George Street Sydney

The University of Melbourne and the Australian Integrated Multimodal Ecosystem (AIMES) are leading on the research.

Background

Co-operative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) technology enables road users and infrastructure to communicate with each other, sharing information about road conditions, disruptions, traffic flow, and safety incidents. C-ITS technology enhances road safety through real-time communication, offering advanced warnings and improving transport network efficiency.

Australian governments have set ambitious targets of halving road deaths by 2030, achieving zero road deaths by 2050, and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, with C-ITS technology seen as a potential aid in these efforts. C-ITS encompasses vehicle connectivity and communication with various entities like vehicles, infrastructure, networks, and pedestrians, aiming to enhance road safety, reduce congestion, and improve energy efficiency and emissions. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and edge computing further bolster the potential for improved traffic management and safety through better sensing and pre-emptive capabilities.

The global ITS community acknowledges C-ITS' potential benefits, especially in road safety, with successful trials and simulations conducted by government-endorsed bodies, industry players, and academia worldwide. Some international markets like Japan and parts of Europe have already implemented C-ITS infrastructure and security architecture at scale.

However, realizing the full potential of C-ITS in Australia requires a collaborative effort between government and industry. Without alignment, a disjointed C-ITS system could be less effective, potentially deterring manufacturers from importing C-ITS-equipped vehicles due to perceived low value.

To achieve a nationally harmonized approach to C-ITS, there's a need for practical understanding and quantification of the benefits, effectiveness, and operational challenges associated with integrating C-ITS into live traffic environments, back-end systems, ITS networks, and various IoT devices. Such insights are crucial for informed decision-making and maximizing the positive impact of C-ITS on road users and transportation systems in Australia. To this aim, this joint project involves Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, Department of Transport and Main Roads (Queensland), SA Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI), Department of Transport and Planning (Victoria), Main Roads Western Australia, Transport Accident Commission and ITS Australia. 

Objectives

The key objective of the project is to provide a robust evidence base to support development of a harmonised national approach to C-ITS deployment in Australia. 

This project aims to meet the following objectives:

  1. Confirm transport safety benefits using C-ITS
  2. Confirm operational efficiencies for C-ITS
  3. Advance C-ITS capability and understanding across all partners.

Testing will be conducted in Victoria and involves further opportunities to incorporate tests at Transport for NSW’s Future Mobility Testing and Research Centre at Cudal (NSW). 

 

Updates

Further updates will be provided as this project progresses.

This research is being delivered in partnership with iMOVE CRC and supported by the Cooperative Research Centres program, an Australian Government initiative.