Pilot Programme Seeks Tech-Loving Irish Motorists to Test Revolutionary ‘Talking Cars’ Technology

An invitation has been extended to 1,500 technology enthusiasts in Ireland to take part in a pilot programme for a new communication system aimed at alerting drivers to safety issues on the road. The innovative system, Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS), is currently undergoing trials across the European Union and will enable vehicles to communicate with roadside sensors and other vehicles in order to provide real-time information about road conditions.

In contrast to traditional digital display signs that warn drivers of upcoming hazards, C-ITS will allow motorists to receive immediate alerts and advice from road network operators through a dedicated app or on-board unit. Through on-road connected vehicle technology, drivers will receive information about collisions, congestion, road works, hazardous weather, alternative routes, wait times, recommended speeds, as well as nearby electric vehicle charging points and other relevant services.

The pilot programme, led by the Department of Transport and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), seeks to tackle the challenge of timely dissemination of critical information to motorists. The ultimate objective is to develop a unified system that can be shared among all road operators and users within the EU, thus ensuring that drivers in different countries receive appropriate warnings.

Furthermore, the C-ITS system is anticipated to lay the groundwork for the technological advancement needed to support autonomous, driverless vehicles in the future. Covering approximately 355km of the M1, M50, M7, and M8 motorways, the pilot programme is scheduled to run until the end of this year. As such, TII is currently seeking 1,500 members of the public to participate in the trial, particularly those who regularly travel along the aforementioned routes.

Those interested in joining the pilot programme can access the official website at cits.tii.ie, where they will be required to complete a brief survey to assess their suitability for the trial. This initiative presents an exciting opportunity for tech-savvy Irish motorists to play a pivotal role in testing and shaping the future of road safety and transportation technology.