Skip to main content

IRU makes the case for ITS and eyes new technology

During a recent debate on connected vehicles, the International Road Transport Union (IRU) highlighted that intelligent transport systems (ITS) are widely used within the road transport sector to improve efficiency, especially for fleet management, but also in fuel reduction and locating safe and secure parking. While new developments are also seeing communication between vehicles and road infrastructure, resulting in quicker, safer and more fuel efficient journeys, the IRU stressed the need for common s
December 2, 2013 Read time: 2 mins
During a recent debate on connected vehicles, the International Road Transport Union (IRU) highlighted that intelligent transport systems (ITS) are widely used within the road transport sector to improve efficiency, especially for fleet management, but also in fuel reduction and locating safe and secure parking.

While new developments are also seeing communication between vehicles and road infrastructure, resulting in quicker, safer and more fuel efficient journeys, the IRU stressed the need for common standards, harmonisation and interoperability of technology, in order to encourage a greater uptake of ITS.

The IRU further outlined that ITS has great potential for improving road transport efficiency, but their use must remain voluntary, commercial data must be secure, and users must have a real choice of providers. The IRU also highlighted the wide potential of smartphones in providing low cost solutions to small and medium-sized transport operators who find it harder to benefit from expensive new technology.

Related Content

  • USDoT looks at the costs and potential benefits of connected vehicles
    October 26, 2017
    David Crawford looks at latest lessons learned from the trials of connected vehicles in the US. The progress of connected vehicle (CV) technologies takes centre stage among the hot topics highlighted in the September 2017 edition – the first since 2014 – of the ‘ITS Benefits, Costs and Lessons Learned’ survey from the US ITS Joint Program Office (JPO). The organisation is an arm of the US Department of Transportation (USDoT).
  • EU cooperation using ‘intelligent transport’ can cut CO2, says IRU
    February 17, 2017
    Decarbonisation of commercial road transport and logistics should be linked to safety improvements and efficiency gains if the ambitious EU CO2 emissions reduction targets are to be met, according to a major new report on the future of commercial road transport in the EU, published by world transport organisation IRU. The report, Commercial Vehicle of the Future, claims measures to decarbonise road freight transport could provide new opportunities to further improve road safety and optimise operational e
  • Transit takes on demanding role
    April 2, 2021
    Community transport - or paratransit - has historically formed the basis of demand-responsive operations. But with new routing technologies, David Crawford sees wider potential
  • Intelligent powertrains could make cost cuts
    April 30, 2020
    Intelligent vehicle powertrains could be a way of making substantial cuts in operating costs and emissions. David Crawford looks at some far-reaching initiatives in Europe and North America