ZIP CODE: A PILOT PROJECT FOR A SMART ROAD SURFACE

This article describes a Dutch system embedded in and around the road surface which anticipates traffic circumstances and helps the driver where lane merging ('zipping') is required. Appropriate signalling influences the drivers' behaviour with respect to speed and distance between cars and makes the process easier, smoother and safer. The smart road surface observes, interprets, decides and acts on traffic conditions. Complete automation of the travel process (expected by 2030) is to involve totally automated vehicles which will decide speed, traffic lane and driving distance. The road surface will anticipate weather conditions, obstacles and traffic blockages and send feedback to the vehicles so that they can take action accordingly. Information which currently appears at the roadside will be available in the vehicle. The surface could contain a condition monitoring system to detect maintenance needs. The 'zipping' technology currently does not interfere with command of the vehicle; in the future it could be a fully automated process. This pilot project will examine the possibility of influencing driver behaviour; the process often leads to irritation between road users.