The SARTRE project recently carried out the first demonstration of its ‘platoon’ technology, which could be a new form of motorway travel according to Volvo Group.
Vehicle platooning, as envisaged by the SARTRE project, involves a professional driver leading a convoy of vehicles. Each car in the convoy has technology that measures the distance, speed and direction – and adjusts to the position – of the car in front.
All vehicles are totally detached and can leave the procession at any time. But once in the platoon, drivers can relax and do other things while the platoon proceeds towards its long haul destination.
SARTRE aims to develop strategies and technologies to allow vehicle platoons to operate on normal public highways with significant environmental, safety and comfort benefits.
The demonstration, at the Volvo Proving Ground in Sweden, was the first time the system has been tried outside of a simulator.
Erik Nordin at Volvo Technology, said: “A professional, well-trained driver leading the road train is an important factor to secure safety in the project.”
The technology required for the system is under development and could be ready to go into production in a few years time. Public acceptance and legislation in 25 EU countries could take significantly longer.
Click here to read the full Volvo Group report.
Perhaps an open-mindedness………….?
Richard, Devon
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Who will choose the ‘professional’ driver to lead the platoon? Many of the allegedly professional drivers I have known would not be fit to run a whelk stall, let alone ‘tow’ a group of drivers down a motorway. If, as the picture seems to imply, LGVs may be platoon leaders I wonder how many car drivers will be content to do 52-53mph along a motorway?
David, Suffolk
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At least the speed limits would be adhered to?
Gareth Tuffery London
Gareth Tuffery
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Surely it would be better if we trained ALL drivers to the standard of the “platoon leader”. As for “relaxing and doing other things…” most drivers seem to be doing that anyway. John, Warwickshire has got that one sussed.
David, Upton, Wirral
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The other contributors make valid comments. How reliable and foolproof is the technology? The full report notes how the technology will allow the vehicles will travel at highway speed with only a few meters gap, and that platooning may also relieve traffic congestion. The report also notes that platooned traffic will integrate with non-platooned vehicles. If the technology isn’t foolproof and reliable, the consequences could be catastrophic.
Mark, Wiltshire
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Does ‘platooning’ allow for other drivers who are not platooning and make mistakes at the side of them on a motorway whilst the ‘platooners’ are relaxing and doing other things?….you could drive a bus through the logic of this…(no pun intended)
Andy Tetlow, Bramhall
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Like political correctness, how far does road safety have to go before someone with a rational mind says “What!” John in Warwickshire has captured the loonacy in his question. I love the Swedes and their beautiful country but they have the endless capacity to be complete anoraks at times. Platooning indeed, whatever next? And by the way, the Swedes did not invent platooning. The Metropolitan Police Traffic Division did this 25 years ago when taking vehicles through the Blackwall Tunnel during an incident.
Roy Buchanan, Sutton
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“But once in the platoon, drivers can relax and do other things…”
– such as what? Have a cup of tea? Make a phone call? Check in the glove compartment for a Status Quo CD? Am I on the wrong track here..?
John, Warwickshire
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