Australia in the pilot seat for connected cars

We’re always excited to reach a project milestone, and in that vein last week saw the launch of a project that is certain to have people watching!

The Ipswich Connected Vehicle Pilot (ICVP), will see 500 participants from the general public volunteer to have their private cars fitted with C-ITS equipment, that will also ‘talk’ to 30 traffic signals fitted with roadside communication devices.

This is the largest trial of connected vehicles in the Southern Hemisphere, and one of the largest of its type in the world. Connected vehicles are coming, and we want to ensure Australia is able to access their safety and congestion-busting benefits.

It’s the result of significant collaboration efforts and it only takes a quick glance at the parties involved to reveal the extent of expertise it takes to make these things happen: Department of Transport and Main Roads (Queensland), and QUT, along with expertise and equipment from Telstra, Cohda Wireless, CARRS-Q, the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications, Motor Accident Insurance Commission, and Ipswich City Council. We’re looking forward to Australian research and development playing on the global stage.

Excellence in Research and Development Award

While on the topic of the importance of collaboration and research project achievements, we know there are many more noteworthy innovations happening out there in the wider transport and mobility industry, and we want to hear about them! We are pleased to be able to recognise Australian transport R&D initiatives, in conjunction with ITS Australia, through our sponsorship of the new Excellence in R&D Award.

This award will be presented for the first time at the 2020 ITS Australia National Awards in November. It’s a celebration of projects that create technology breakthroughs that have a significant impact in the sector, and which bring opportunities for further future development. It recognises ideas and their impact,

Sound like something you are working on? The Excellence in Research and Development Award is open to any organisation involved with transport and mobility in this country. Entry is open until 31 August 2020, with the awards night to be held on 25 November. So please, wherever you are, and whatever area of transport you’re working in, get those entries in!

For criteria, and how to enter, download the 2020 ITS Australia National Awards information pack.