NEW AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

New and emerging technologies (ITS) stand to dominate the future of Australian transport systems. The imperative to make better use of existing road transport infrastructure and to improve the efficiency of road and rail transport operations suggests that advanced technologies will be increasingly used in planning, managing and operating the state's transport system. Better practice should come by providing an environment that facilitates the application of ITS technologies, which improve efficiency, fuel consumption, road safety, accessibility and system monitoring and control. The new developments in ITS are creating exciting opportunities but as we move to take advantage of these opportunities, we must not lose sight of the impact on the community and the broader legal and institutional issues, some of which are introduced in this paper. Further, at the national level we must adopt an integrated approach to ensure that uniform standards and regulations are developed and adopted. There is also a clear need for national leadership in technological innovation in Australian transport. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E202433.