Britain’s Road Haulage Association (RHA) has reacted cautiously to the UK government’s announcement it will start trials for the platooning of heavy goods vehicles (HGV).
The RHA notes at the beginning of the evaluation, lorries will still have a driver in the cab to test platooning, which could involve distances between trucks decreasing using mechanical or potentially, electronic, coupling.
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“New technology has the potential to bring major improvements to journeys and the UK is in a position to lead the way for the testing of connected and driverless vehicles,” a Department for Transport statement emailed to just-auto noted.
“We are planning trials of HGV platoons – which enable vehicles to move in a group so they use less fuel – and will be in a position to say more in due course.”
Platooning would allow a number of trucks to accelerate or brake simultaneously and grouping vehicles is a method of increasing road capacity.
“When platooning trials eventually begin, they will be carried out ‘off road’ and will only be trialled on the motorway network when proven off-road,” said RHA chief executive, Richard Burnett.
“On the plus side, this is a concept that certainly has benefits in terms of fuel saving; particularly in those countries that have long stretches of roads without junctions – unlike the UK motorway network.
“Today’s UK haulage industry is increasingly IT-led. However, are UK roads and, more importantly, other road users ready for it? The technologists have it all to prove.
“A lot of the elements of this that make it theoretically possible are already starting to arrive in modern vehicles. But are motorists ready for the technological advances that will make this concept possible?
“In addition to the concerns of the motorist, is platooning practical for the haulier? Does it make operational sense and, critically, will it be safe practice on UK roads with so many junctions.”
The RHA added it will be working with the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles and will be following the trials “with keen interest.”
