Looking to the future for Scotland’s trunk roads

A new framework has been launched to ensure that the systems which help keep Scotland’s trunk roads moving are geared-up for the technological advances to come.

The Future Intelligent Transport Systems Strategy outlines how Transport Scotland will make the best use of its resources to keep pace in a rapidly evolving field which is seeing increasing in-car technology and developments in data management.

ITS is the technology and communications used to improve efficiency and safety for transport users. It includes monitoring equipment, like traffic detection sensors and gantry signs as well as the web services and social media channels that are used to give drivers real time information on the move.

The new strategy also takes into account the growing field of connected and autonomous vehicles which are expected to have significant benefits for road safety and in transforming how real-time traffic monitoring and analysis can be carried out.

Transport Minister Humza Yousaf said:

“Scotland has been at the forefront of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) as they have developed over the last thirty years. Our Traffic Scotland service contributes to the safe and efficient movement of people, goods and services across the country and supports key industries such as tourism and the food and drink sector in the process.

“The ITS Strategy has been developed to put the needs of our customers first. We are firmly committed to constantly improving our services with the new Traffic Scotland mobile site a great example of our recent innovations.

“This is a rapidly evolving field, with developments taking place in a wide range of areas and we want to be ready to take advantage of these. Our ITS strategy will help guide our services for the next ten years and beyond, building upon our successes and guided by the views of the public as well as transportation professionals.”