The National Infrastructure
Commission and Highways
England have up to £200,000 to invest in projects that
look at changes to roads and related infrastructure to maximise
the benefits of driverless and connected vehicle technologies.
Change in how we use roads
Self-driving cars could be on UK roads in the next decade.
The way we use roads could change as a result. Vehicles could
move in convoys, there may be no need for traffic lights, and
lane directions could change depending on the time of day.
Practical ideas on design and management
The competition is seeking practical ideas on designing and
managing roads in 3 areas:
- road design and related infrastructure including line
markings, signs, posts, gantries, crash barriers and lighting
columns
- traffic management such as traffic signals and any other
means of controlling traffic flow
- road rules and regulations including such things as speed
limits and waiting or loading restrictions
Funding for the competition is under SBRI (Small Business
Research Initiative).
Up to £150,000 is available for feasibility studies in a first
phase. The best project could attract £50,000 to develop it
further in a second phase.
- the competition is open, and the deadline for registration is
at midday on 7 March 2018
- it is open to any organisation that can demonstrate a route
to market for its idea
- we expect phase 1 contracts to be worth up to £30,000
- successful projects will attract 100% funded development
contracts
- a briefing event will be held on 31 January 2018
