York has been awarded £295,000 by the Government to participate in a national trial designed to provide guidance for new real-time digital information in vehicles which will allow drivers to give and share information on traffic conditions and congestion.
The trial will begin in April, with a fleet of digitally equipped cars collecting traffic flow data along the A59 corridor from Holgate Bridge leading into Micklegate Ward and Blossom Street.
Once it is complete the information will be used to inform national guidance on the use of digital technology and “connected vehicles”.
Cllr. Ian Gillies, Executive Member for Transport and Planning, said that this technology could revolutionise transport across the country, noting that “the research being conducted here in York will put the authority firmly at the forefront of technology nationally...paving the way for a new generation of vehicles.
“We’re delighted York has been selected to support the Department for Transport in leading the way on this new national guidance.”
Currently only 8% of cars in Europe are fitted with similar technology, which is expected to increase to 25% by 2020.