Foresight Vehicle Technology Roadmap - Institute for Manufacturing

Infrastructural trends and driversVisionPhysical roadinfrastructureInformation andcommunicationsinfrastructureEnergyinfrastructureIntegratedtransport systemEffective, integrated and sustainable road transport systemSignificant efforts are needed to ensure that the physical road transport infrastructure ismaintained in good condition, and extended to accommodate future demand (which maydouble by 2020). The UK ten-year plan includes substantial improvements to the urbanand regional road transport infrastructure. New road surfaces are being developed toreduce noise and wear, with the long-term possibility of installing equipment to supportroad trains (vehicle platooning).Rapid improvements in communications bandwidth and computer processing powerprovide opportunities to improve the overall road transport system performance, in termsof traffic management, reduced congestion, information services, improved safety andsecurity. The development of appropriate technical standards is important, particularlywhen combined with new vehicle developments.If alternative energy and power systems are to be developed and deployed widely invehicles, then appropriate fuel distribution networks will need to be established. It isprobable that a number of competing energy and power systems will be developed,starting with LPG and battery / hybrid powered vehicles. However it is likely to be atleast 15 years or more before alternative energy sources such as hydrogen and bio-fuelswill be widely available.The effectiveness of the overall transport system demands that the links between the roadand other transport modes be considered. Inter-modal transport requires synchronisationof timetables, integrated ticketing systems, together with accurate and up-to-dateinformation services for both passenger and freight.14