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Melbourne’s Citylink and EastLink Tollways To Begin Semi-Autonomous Vehicle Trials In 2017

The Victorian government has announced that, together with automakers and technology firms, it will begin testing semi-autonomous vehicle technologies on Melbourne’s busy Monash-Citylink-Tullamarine corridor operated by Transurban. Not to be outd


The Victorian government has announced that, together with automakers and technology firms, it will begin testing semi-autonomous vehicle technologies on Melbourne’s busy Monash-Citylink-Tullamarine corridor operated by Transurban.

Not to be outdone the state’s other tollway operator, ConnectEast has also announced that it too will begin an 18 month trial of semi-autonomous vehicle technologies in the EastLink tollway in collaboration with La Trobe University.

Rather than pioneering new developments in autonomous vehicle technology the trial programs are centred around understanding how systems like distance-keeping cruise control, lane keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition systems already available in the Australian new car market work with the state’s infrastructure.

“Industry experts say we will have fully driverless cars on the market in the next 5 to 10 years and we need to make sure our infrastructure is ready to meet this demand,” said Transurban CEO, Scott Charlton.

“Highly automated vehicles have the potential to significantly boost road safety, relieve congestion and improve social mobility. We are pleased to partner with the Victorian Government to look at how these vehicles could one day deliver benefits for local road users.”

Findings from the trial programs will then be used to optimise road markings, overhead speed signs and roadway design to better work with future vehicle systems, with the findings of the trial to be shared with car makers, and VicRoads, to ensure a smooth transition to the era of hands-off driving.

Technology

Kez Casey

Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.

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