CAVIAR (Connected and Autonomous Vehicles: Infrastructure Appraisal Readiness)

Title -CAVIAR (Connected and Autonomous Vehicles: Infrastructure Appraisal Readiness) Government and industry are investing heavily in Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (CAV) technology as they compete the attain a competitive advantage in the future market for mobility systems. However, the importance of technological development in the supporting road infrastructure has received less attention. The ability of CAVs to operate fully autonomously may not be entirely contained within the vehicle technology due to the inherent complexity in the roadway infrastructure context. Such complexity can be seen in sudden changes to weather conditions which may limit the ability of onboard cameras to detect road markings, configurations, traffic and road conditions. Moreover, the transition to a CAV based mobility system will necessarily require a period where CAVs share to road with human operated (i.e. conventional vehicles). Due to the unpredictability of human action, CAVs operating in mixed traffic conditions may fail to detect changes, make effective plans, and implement plans to ensure safe operation. This project aims to partially rebalance the technical focus concerning CAVs by conducting a review and assessment of infrastructure readiness for CAV operations. The feasibility stage of the project covers an appraisal of CAV testing facilities to determine their suitability for evaluating Strategic Road Network (SRN) operation in highway environments. The project will then progress by assessing the ability of CAV simulation platforms to realistically model traffic environments that mix CAV and conventional vehicle traffic in SRN environments. This modelling activity will be supported by the development and application of a set of scenarios which consider alternative configurations of CAV capabilities, traffic mixtures, and infrastructure technologies (e.g. sensors, beacons, road layouts, road markings, and road signages). The outcomes of the feasibility study will be twofold. First, it will provide Highways England with insight regarding the adequacy of existing testing facilities to effectively evaluate CAV highway operation, allowing for the requirement to further invest in this area to be considered. Second, it will showcase the value of using CAV simulation platforms for appraising the the transition period to a CAV mobility system with a specific focus on roadway infrastructure.