16.03.20
Government launches review into transport tech
A new review launched today (Mar 16) by the Department for Transport (DfT) and Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) will look at making journeys easier, smarter and greener.
New technology will be consulted on as part of the Future of Transport regulatory review, aiming to making options apart from the car more attractive for every day travel.
A £90m funding boost will trial new transport innovation and three new ‘future transport zones’, allowing experts to work with local bodies such as councils, hospitals, airports and universities to trial new ways to transport people and goods.
The initial zones set to receive funding are located in Portsmouth and Southampton, the West of England Combined Authority, and Derby and Nottingham and will all join the existing West Midlands future of transport zone.
Using drones to carry medical supplies between clinics and hospitals on the Isle of Wight is among the projects being tested. If successful, the drones could be used to move chemotherapy kits, saving time and lives.
The use of e-scooters and how they can impact UK transport will also be consulted on, including user and road requirements to ensure that safety is a priority.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, said:
“We are on the cusp of a transport revolution. Emerging technologies are ripping up the rulebook and changing the way people and goods move forever.
“Our ground-breaking future of transport programme marks the biggest review of transport laws in a generation and will pave the way for exciting new transport technology to be tested, cementing the UK’s position as a world-leading innovator.
“This review will ensure we understand the potential impacts of a wide range of new transport modes such as e-scooters, helping to properly inform any decisions on legalisation. Funding these new zones across the country will also help us safely test innovative ways to get around, creating a greener future transport system for us all.”
Bus, taxi and private hire vehicles services could be made simpler and more seamless with innovative new payment methods.
More than £15m has been awarded to Derby and Nottingham to invest in ‘mobility hubs’ integrating and encouraging the use of public transport, bike hire, car clubs and electric vehicles.