The UK’s telecommunications regulator, Ofcom, has published plans for a major trial that will test wireless transmitting technology to and from vehicles on a public road in Britain.
Such real-time data could be used as part of future smart traffic management systems to improve traffic flows.
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The trial – involving BT and technology firm Neul – will involve a small network of ‘white space’ transmitters to send data on traffic congestion and varying traffic conditions to vehicles. The vehicles themselves would also broadcast data about their speed and position.
Ofcom said the trial will test the technical viability of networks which in future might help to regulate the smooth flow of road traffic across the country, as well as relaying live information to drivers.
Collecting large quantities of so-called ‘big data’ in real-time offers the possibility of being able to use intelligent transport systems to optimise traffic flows for lower journey times, lower fuel use and lower CO2 emissions from vehicles.
In the trial, the Department of Transport will fit cars with transmitters in order to gather data on traffic congestion on the A14 highway between Felixstowe and Cambridge.
Ofcom published plans for a number of trials – not just transport applications – aimed at utilising the unused ‘white space’ on the radio broadcasting spectrum to overcome the problem of growing congestion on the used frequencies. Ofcom also believes that there are possibilities to collect and use more data in the next wave of ‘wireless innovation’.
