ITS benefits need to be better explained to the public

Nine out of ten of ITS (UK) members believe that more needs to be done to explain the benefits of ITS to the public. Respondents to a survey said that raising awareness would help sell the case to decision makers to fund technology rather than infrastructure solutions.

However, participants were divided in their views on the understanding of, and support for, ITS from national and local government: 56% agreed or strongly agreed that government is supporting transport technology transport technology, while nearly 40% either disagreed or were undecided. In addition, many believe that the main government focus is on future autonomous technologies and not solutions today.

Respondents’ suggestions on the biggest change to ITS over the next 12 months included Mobility as a Service solutions such as fare data in journey planning, benefits of connected vehicles and Internet of Things and a focus on the environmental benefits derived from transport technology.

Jennie Martin, ITS (UK) secretary general, said: “The industry has always been very committed to collaborating with each other and sharing best practice, but this survey suggests there is an expectation for us to provide information about ITS and their benefits to the wider public. We have started to deliver relevant messages to the travelling public about how ITS makes a daily difference to their lives but know that much more needs to be done and we will work with our members to formulate our plan.”