Government invests £8 million in new transport technology research

Three research projects aimed at improving transport services have been granted more than £8 million as part of a joint initiative by the Technology Strategy Board (TSB), Department for Transport (DoT) and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.

The government's Future Intelligent Transport Systems (Fits) initiative is providing the funds for British companies to work with academic institutions and network operators in a bid to reduce negative environmental impacts from motor vehicles.

"We know we cannot simply build our way out of congestion," commented minister of state for transport Rosie Winterton. "We are committed to exploring innovative ways of getting more from the existing transport network and so I am delighted to announce the successful projects of the Fits programme."

The three successful projects are:

• Freeflow - a scheme designed to improve the use of transport data in increasing awareness of accidents, traffic jams and so on, primarily to allow motorists to avoid trouble spots and prevent the situation getting worse.
• Foot-Lite - a project aiming to improve driving styles and behaviours through better driver/vehicle interface systems and services.
• User Innovation - a venture investigating how travellers are already suing existing forms of communication technology to enhance transport systems.