Victoria is trialling an Australia-first technology at one of Melbourne’s high-crash intersections to improve road safety.
Victorian Minister for Roads, Roads Safety and the TAC, Jaala Pulford, announced the new connected and automated vehicle technology will be fitted at the intersection of Williamstown Road and Somerville Road in Yarraville.
One third of deaths and 44 per cent of serious injuries on Victoria’s roads occur at intersections. This trial will provide insights that can help boost safety at busy, complex intersections.
Specialist light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensors will monitor the intersection and analyse all crashes and near misses.
The cutting-edge technology will also provide real-time warnings of potential hazards to vehicles fitted with connected technology.
This is the first time LIDAR technology has been used in this way in Australia and will allow Road Safety Victoria to closely analyse crashes and near misses, and how they may have been caused, to make roads safer.
The trial is being undertaken by Omni-Aware – a consortium of specialist technology companies including Intelligent Transport Services, Transoptim Consulting and IBIS Computer.
The project is funded through the State Government’s $9 million Connected and Automated Vehicle Trial Grants Program.
Ms Pulford said, “A third of road fatalities in Victoria happen at intersections – this trial will give us important insights on how to boost safety at intersections and keep more Victorians safe.
“Victoria has always led the way in connected and automated vehicle technology, this is another way we’re making our infrastructure and policies support the uptake of this life-saving technology.”
Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne, said, “This technology will play a key role in keeping Victorians safe on our roads – that’s why we’re investing in it and beginning the roll-out on our roads.”
