KMP consortium to build and operate Colorado’s largest-ever infrastructure project

TINNews

Having been commissioned by the Department for Transport (DfT) and Highways England (HE) to lead the first real-world operational trial of platooning vehicles on UK roads, the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) has released details about the project.

Applying experience gained in platooning projects in Europe and the USA, the £8.1m (US$10.5m) project will collect information and independently evaluate heavy vehicle platooning under real-world operational conditions. Trials will be tailored to the unique requirements of UK roads and will collate the evidence required to understand issues such as fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, safety, acceptance by drivers and other road users, implications for future infrastructure, and the commercial case for adoption. The on-road trials will form part of regular delivery operations by the leading logistics company DHL, and are expected to take place in 2018, following the successful completion of a rigorous program of driving simulations, driver training and test track trials over the coming months.

As the overall project lead and research partner, with responsibility for program and risk management, TRL will lead a consortium of partners including:

DAF - truck manufacturer, which will be responsible for supplying the vehicles to be used in the project;
Ricardo - will provide its technology, engineering, strategic and environmental consultancy services;
DHL - the UK’s leading logistics provider will be providing drivers and freight deliveries for the trials;
Transport Systems Catapult (TSC) - will contribute to technical trial design and data analysis;
Millbrook - will provide the test track facilities for the off-road platoon testing;
TNO - the Netherlands research organization is currently leading the Dutch Truck Platooning Trials and will provide reciprocal representation on the UK and Dutch Advisory Groups;
Costain - is a strategic partner to HE with an in-depth knowledge of the country’s strategic road network;
Apollo Vehicle Safety - will provide knowledge and expertise on vehicle safety.

“The UK has an unprecedented opportunity to lead the world in trialing connected vehicle platoons in a real-world environment,” explained Rob Wallis, TRL’s chief executive. “We and our consortium of leading international partners have the practical and technical knowledge gained from previous projects to understand what is required to put a connected vehicle platoon onto UK roads safely. The team are now taking that expertise and uniquely applying it within live traffic operations.”

Richard Cuerden, TRL academy director, added, “Platooning technology has the potential to deliver a wide range of benefits to all road users.”