A new mobile technology aiming to tackle issues around road safety is being tested for the first time in cities across the West Midlands.
The platform is the UK’s first Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) technology, which has been developed by a consortium led by Vodafone, Nokia and Chordant. Its purpose is to improve the safety of all road users by combining modern mobile technologies with intelligent in-vehicle systems.
Drivers that have opted-in to the service will be provided with real-time road information on the go. The localised and targeted updates will include anything from lane closures to speed restrictions and traffic accidents.
To begin with, the notifications will be available through drivers’ smartphones, but the technology will be introduced to in-car systems in the future. Authorities are also trialling its use in easing traffic jams and hope that it could eventually allow emergency services to respond to incidents more efficiently.
Furthermore, the project is seen as taking an important first step in the innovation and technology needed to safely introduce self-driving vehicles to UK roads.
Vodafone stated that in 2020, over 70% of all cars were built with digital telematics capabilities, which will only help to create a more streamlined and connected transport ecosystem.
Luke Ibbetson, Head of Group R&D at Vodafone, said: “It’s fantastic to see vehicle-to-everything mobile technology being deployed on the open road for the first time in the UK. Meanwhile, we are working with the automotive industry and road operators to have the technology integrated within vehicles and transport infrastructure to make our roads safer.”
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