The Government has given a green light for the world’s first ‘real world’ operational vehicle platooning trial. Expected to take place on a ‘quiet section’ of the M6 in Cumbria, up to three trucks at a time will be operated.
The £8.1m trial involves a consortium including DAF Trucks, Ricardo, and DHL.
The on-road trials will form part of regular DHL operations and are expected to take place in 2018.
Applying experience gained in platooning projects in Europe and the USA, the project will collect information and independently evaluate heavy vehicle platooning under real-world operational conditions.
Trials will be tailored to the unique requirements of UK roads and will collate the evidence required to understand issues such as fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, safety, acceptance by drivers and other road users, implications for future infrastructure, and the commercial case for adoption.
Transport Minister Paul Maynard said: “Advances such as lorry platooning could benefit businesses through cheaper fuel bills and other road users thanks to lower emissions and less congestion.
“But first we must make sure the technology is safe and works well on our roads, and that’s why we are investing in these trials.”
