Road telematics — revolution or revolt?

Abstract

The UK road network faces critical problems over the next decade. Severe road congestion made worse by ever increasing vehicle numbers and consequent requirements for road maintenance and repair form a vicious circle, while provision of new roads remains an increasingly expensive and environmentally unacceptable solution. But as billions of pounds are wasted annually in traffic jams, air and sound pollution continue to affect our health and pedestrian safety and emergency service access suffer, we must all recognize that to prevent future chaos actions must be taken now. Some of these measures may be unpalatable to a nation dedicated to the motor car. The use of dedicated electronic systems including route guidance, incident avoidance, in‐vehicle signing, head up displays and anticollision radar have the potential to revolutionize every facet of road transportation, and are already starting to provide drivers with new standards of safety, comfort, security, reliability and efficiency. However to combat fully the growing crisis threatening our road system radical solutions must be sought to offer answers for the better management of the UK's road infrastructure for the next decade and beyond.

Citation

Wander, T.R. (1996), "Road telematics — revolution or revolt?", Aslib Proceedings, Vol. 48 No. 6, pp. 158-160. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb051423