Engineering news
One driver will control up to three vehicles – accelerating, braking and steering – in the trial, funded by the Department for Transport and Highways England, and led by transport company TRL. The project will examine the possible benefits of the so-called 'platooning' technique ahead of possible commercial use.
The system, which has already been successfully trialled in Europe and the US, uses wireless technology to synchronise a convoy of lorries with a lead driver. The technology enables the vehicles to travel close together, reducing aerodynamic drag on the followers as the first HGV pushes air out of the way.
Project leaders hope the technique will make the lorries more efficient, lowering emissions and improving air quality.
“The trial has the potential to demonstrate how greater automation of vehicles – in this instance HGVs – can deliver improvements in safety, better journeys for road users and reduction in vehicle emissions,” said Jim O’Sullivan, Highways England chief executive.
Decreased distance between the vehicles might increase network capacity and synchronised braking and accelerating could improve safety, TRL said. Although the technology could eventually lead to driverless vehicles on the roads, the trial lorries will have drivers ready to take control if needed to ensure safety.
The technology “will improve people’s lives,” said transport minister Paul Maynard. “Lorry platooning could benefit businesses through cheaper fuel bills and other road users thanks to lower emissions and less congestion. But first we must make sure the technology is safe and works well on our roads, and that’s why we are investing in these trials.”
Delivery company DHL will provide drivers and deliveries for the 2018 road trials, which will only go ahead after “a rigorous programme of driving simulations, driver training and test track trials”.
The UK will “embrace” the technology because of a 55,000 truck-driver shortage, said Nigel Parkes, managing director of distribution company Pallet-Track, to Professional Engineering in May. However, he said fundamental issues such as legal restrictions could delay any commercial roll-out.