Clear road ahead? [intelligent transport systems]

Intelligent transport systems (ITS) offer a solution to some of the problems that plague Britain's busy highways. ITS are characterised by the three features of communication, integration and information. The authors discuss the problems faced by the transport network and the role that could be played by ITS in overcoming the problems. In particular the authors discuss implementation of change required by introduction of ITS. Several initiatives, enabled by new technologies, are seeking to deal with these issues and to deliver working solutions that will influence transport and travel during the next 10-20 years. These are: Urban Traffic Management Control, ITS City Pioneers, MATTISSE system, Highways Agency Traffic Control Centre, Road Traffic Advisor project, and road user charging trials.