Intelligent transport systems: possibilities and limitations

The technology of intelligent transport systems (ITS) has reached an exciting phase in which separate functions can be linked together to have a large-scale impact on transport services generally. This paper reviews areas in which ITS might have a role to play during the next 20 years or so, and how some of the systems now under development might be integrated. It concludes with a brief examination of the obstacles likely to be encountered along the way: technological barriers, cost, public acceptance, and reliability. One possibility for synergy lies in the development of a multi-purpose management tool which coordinates the allocation of road space to individual trip-makers within the framework of a block signalling system, rescheduling delays to the beginning of each journey. This ‘virtual railway’ system could act as a platform for demand management, help to control congestion, protect the local environment, and contribute towards de-marketing the car.