Foreword
As transport networks become more congested, and new highway construction recedes as a sustainable long-term solution, there is a growing need to adopt policies that manage demand and make full use of existing assets. Advances in information technology are now such that “Intelligent Transport Systems” (ITS) offer real possibilities for authorities to meet this challenge; by monitoring what is going on, predicting what might happen in the future and providing the means to manage transport proactively on an area-wide basis.
This website contains the Department for Transport’s guidance: “Understanding the benefits and costs of Intelligent Transport Systems: A toolkit approach” . It includes case studies, advice and guidance in the area of monitoring, evaluation and reporting of ITS related schemes and provides specific advice on:
- the selection of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) tools to meet policy objectives;
- the benefits & costs of ITS deployment;
- what others have done to incorporate ITS within transport plans; and
- lessons learnt from their experience.
The website is aimed at two groups:
- decision makers to identify strategic goals to help achieve local and national transport objectives, and
- transport planners who undertake the more technical aspects of a project, fulfilling the strategic requirements of decision makers.
Users of the toolkit are guided through the various modules, with instructions on how the material should be used. Distinct topics are employed to assist in the decision making process. The toolkit approach enables the user to assess the relative merits of a range of tools, both ITS and, to a lesser extent, conventional measures. This website will help authorities assess the business case for investment in ITS and identify how best to use ITS to meet their own, local challenges, and further supports Local Transport Plan (LTP) guidance.
Last updated: 19-Nov-2008
