Victoria trials automated vehicles in Melbourne, Australia

TINNews |

The Victorian Government has begun an automated vehicle trial on the Monash-City Link-Tullamarine corridor in Melbourne, Australia.

The trial is part of the government’s initiative to help Victoria prepare for the future of driverless vehicles.

Victoria Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan said: “Victoria is at the forefront of automated vehicle technology – we’re investing in this trial to explore ways that this technology can be used to reduce crashes and keep people safe on our roads.”

For this trial, the government is collaborating with VicRoads, The Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) and Transurban.

"This technology is moving at a rapid pace, and we want to ensure our roads and the community are ready for these changes."

VicRoads CEO John Merritt said: “This technology is moving at a rapid pace, and we want to ensure our roads and the community are ready for these changes.”

Automated BMW, Mercedes, Tesla and Volvo vehicles will be used during the trial.

The participating vehicles will comply with existing Australian Design Rules and road safety regulations and have professional drivers seated behind the steering wheel during the trial.

The trial of autonomous vehicles will be completed in three phases over a two-year period.

It will primarily focus on how to prepare road infrastructure, regulations and the community for the integration of new automation technology into the state transport system.

Slated for completion later this year, the first phase will examine features such as lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition, as well as responses to road environments, road works, congestion, electronic speed signs and line markings.