Skip to main content

Government plans to propel New Zealand transport into the future

Secretary for Transport Martin Matthews today launched an intelligent transport systems technology Action Plan that will help make transport safer and more efficient in New Zealand. The plan identifies what is needed in New Zealand for advancing the introduction of intelligent transport systems technologies. Intelligent transport systems use technologies such as sensors, computing and communications in vehicles and in transport infrastructure such as roads; and include such things as traffic control syst
June 19, 2014 Read time: 2 mins
Secretary for Transport Martin Matthews today launched an intelligent transport systems technology Action Plan that will help make transport safer and more efficient in New Zealand. The plan identifies what is needed in New Zealand for advancing the introduction of intelligent transport systems technologies.

Intelligent transport systems use technologies such as sensors, computing and communications in vehicles and in transport infrastructure such as roads; and include such things as traffic control systems, advanced driver assistance, vehicle monitoring and integrated electronic ticketing.

Matthews explained that the plan takes a high-level, multi-agency approach to the introduction of new intelligent transport systems, which are becoming integral to transport in New Zealand and around the world.

“Intelligent transport systems could transform all forms of transport in coming decades,” he said. “Many technologies such as driverless cars, and the capacity for vehicles to platoon (drive closely together like train carriages by being connected electronically) are already being trialled in other countries. These sorts of technologies have the potential to fundamentally change how our transport systems work – while making them safer, more effective and more efficient.

“We are likely to see many new and exciting transport systems in the future. Some may even be transformational. For example, vehicles of the future may be so well equipped they are almost impossible to crash. We want to make sure New Zealand is able to take advantage of these technologies and reap their benefits as soon possible.”

Related Content

  • Report proposes autonomous transport system for London
    July 14, 2014
    A wide-ranging report produced by transport expert Professor David Begg, A 2050 vision for London, looks at the impact that the rise of autonomous transport systems might have on UK cities, and in particular London. Begg’s report proposes 10mph zones for traffic near schools and in busy areas and suggests that the safety of and efficiency of London's transport network could be improved by the introduction of driverless vehicles. Speeds for automated buses could be restricted by remote control, while
  • Driverless vehicles will cause changes in society
    May 31, 2013
    Paul Godsmark gives his views on what the advent of autonomous vehicles would mean for the wider society. Further to your article ‘Driver not required…’ in the Jan/Feb edition of ITS International which gave some great background to autonomous road vehicle (ARVs), I feel that the bigger picture is needed to aid understanding. There is a ‘technology freight train’ heading our way that is going to transform our roadways but we don’t seem to be aware of it and, therefore, are in no hurry to react.
  • Tolling Matters: Open your eyes - see the possibilities
    September 27, 2022
    Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, commissioner of New Jersey DoT and IBTTA president 2022, talks to Adam Hill about the importance of mentoring young people - and why it's good to share pivotal experiences
  • Environmental impact assessments - where now?
    February 1, 2012
    Peter George, MVA Consultancy, questions the future direction of environmental impact assessments