NTC calls for national automated vehicle trial input

A discussion paper related to national guidelines for automated vehicle trials has been released by the National Transport Commission (NTC).

The organisation has called for input regarding the key elements that will be required to support automated vehicle trials.

“Developing a single and nationally agreed set of guidelines would help promote Australia as a testbed for automated vehicles by providing consistent conditions for trials while at the same time encouraging innovation,” said Geoff Allan, acting chief executive of the NTC.

“The guidelines will also help support cross-border trials.

“By harmonising trial conditions and expectations across jurisdictions, governments can work with industry to further explore the potential economic, environmental and safety benefits of this technology.”

Ministers endorsed the development of trial guidelines for automated vehicles in early November as part of the NTC policy paper ‘Regulatory reforms for automated road vehicles’.

Input into the guidelines can be provided until 4 pm on Monday, 16 January 2017 via the NTC website.

In partnership with Austroads, the NTC will present recommendations on guidelines to transport ministers at the Transport and Infrastructure Council meeting scheduled for May 2017.

More information is available here.

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