Costain to take part in UK’s first HGV platooning trial

Costain has joined a consortium of partners – headed up by TRL, the centre of excellence for future transport – to carry out the first real-world trial of vehicle platooning on UK roads.

Platooning sees two or more heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) accelerating, braking and steering in sync via wireless “vehicle-to-vehicle communication”. This shared connection enables the convoy to operate as a single cohesive unit.

The trial is being jointly funded by Highways England and the Department for Transport. Up to three HGVs will travel together, each led by the lead vehicle with a driver on-hand to assume direct control at a moment’s notice.

The aim here is to explore how autonomous vehicle technology can improve fuel efficiency and curb emissions, while also boosting traffic flow and road capacity. Crucially, it will give road-users greater clarity and understanding of the technology at a time when central government is firming up potential infrastructure considerations.

In its new role, Costain will advise on the technology, lead risk management, and deploy its traffic management expertise to built the safety case for vehicle platooning.

“Costain is an industry leader in road technology and we are proud to be part of the consortium delivering the UK’s first operational road trial of platooning vehicles,” said Simon Ellison, Sector Director for Highways: “We work hard to improve people’s lives and the automation of HGVs could see emissions reduced and safety improved on our roads.

“We have a strong track record of deploying technology-based engineering solutions to the UK’s road network and we will support this innovative pilot with our unique skillset and expertise.”

The on-road trials form part of DHL’s logistical operations and are expected to take place in 2018, following a programme of simulations, driver training and test track trials over the coming weeks and months.

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