摘要: |
Modern road networks require a significant amount of infrastructure to function, from the roads themselves to signage, as well as other assets that are needed to keep things running. Throw in the digitisation of road networks and infrastructure requirements will significantly increase, especially when it comes to the introduction of connected ("internet-of things") devices and an array of sensor systems required for road monitoring. Active traffic management technologies can be prohibitively expensive, costing over £1 million/km of road and budgets might not always be available for that especially when it comes to smaller networks. Locations may also have surges in road traffic for limited periods - such as areas around sports stadiums or festival venues - that do not warrant a huge investment in resources when it is only required on a limited basis. Other road network operators simply do not have the budget to completely overhaul their communications and sensor network to facilitate digitised road operations Adding to this, locations might not always have the connectivity bandwidth required to handle the significant amount of data being generated and sent from connected road devices. This is particularly true for large events, where tens of thousands of people gather in one location and place a major burden on the existing communications infrastructure. |