The traffic regulations of tomorrow

Traffic regulations are traditionally analogue and paper-oriented. In the future, they need to be able to be interpreted by machines. How can we ensure exchange of reliable data on traffic regulations to support technological innovation such as advanced driver assist and autonomous driving technologies? In this report, we share our knowledge on digital traffic rules – what it is, why it matters and how we get there. The transport sector is becoming increasingly connected, digitalized, and automated. The development is taking place at a rapid pace and has the potential to improve the transport system in several areas (safety, efficiency, environmental impact and accessibility). To meet this development, we need to move towards a more digitalized road infrastructure. A digital representation of the road network is becoming increasingly important. One part of this is digital and machine-readable traffic rules. In a digital world we need data on traffic rules (what applies where). Road users, citizens, companies, and other actors in our society would benefit from such data (they get access to more and clearer regulations). Data on traffic rules also provides completely new opportunities, for example more dynamic traffic regulations, which can further contribute to positive effects for the transport system and for society. It is also a necessity for the implementa-tion of autonomous driving on public roads, since automated vehicles will need a reliable digital infrastructure. Drive Sweden Policy Lab (DSPL) targets specific cases in projects of the strategic innovation program Drive Sweden. The purpose is to explore how technology and service development relate to existing laws and regulations for new mobility services that are being developed, and to identify and overcome bottlenecks. DSPL was initiated in 2019 to support technology development projects within Drive Sweden’s portfolio that had encountered regulatory challenges. New cases (subprojects) have been added since. Project partners vary by case. The independent, state-owned research institute RISE is the coordinator. In this case (or subproject), we investigate the need for improved processes and possibly new regulations on how traffic rules are prepared, decided and published. We consider possible solutions and the consequences of different solutions. Many partners have participated in this work, and a large reference group with both private and public actors.

Geofenced heavy trucks to protect bridges at crossings allowing higher weight on frozen roads Winter is our friend. When the road body is deep frozen it can handle more weight than during the rest of the year. However, the bridges are not affected by the cold weather, and they are therefore still vulnerable to increased loads. How can we allow increased loads on frozen roads while ensuring protection of the bridges? In this report, we share our insights from a project with the idea of using geofencing to protect the bridges. The geofencing technology ensures that the truck drives at a lower speed over the bridge and the bridge can withstand loads up to 74 tons since decreased speed reduces dynamic loads. If the road keeper can get guarantees that all heavy trucks drive at a low speed over the bridge, heavier traffic can be accommodated. This technology would of course also be beneficial to use across bridges in Europe regardless of the climate. ' The project “Frozen roads and 74 tons”, paid by the Swedish Transport Administration, consisted of three parts. One part was a pilot study during winter 22/23 demonstrating trucks from AB Volvo and Scania loaded with 74 tons using geofencing when the trucks passed over weak bridges. A speed limit, i.e. 50 km/h, was imposed in a zone around each bridge, whose coordinates were stored in the digital map accessible through the trucks’ Fleet Management System. Two different geofencing technologies were tested: on the one hand Scania’s system with “active” geofencing, where the truck was programmed to maintain the allowed speed over the bridge and calculated and implemented this itself (the driver could, however, override this by pushing the gas pedal to the floor); on the other hand AB Volvo’s system with “passive” geofencing, where the driver received a warning message when approaching the zone and would then slow down if necessary. The drivers were interviewed before and after the pilot about their experience. The results from the pilot showed that if the technology is verified, the truck will do the right thing and is on the right road network when the technology is activated. The drivers also liked geofencing. Geofences thus work in practice. The second part of the project was about quantifying the societal benefits of using geofencing. More efficient planning, control and follow-up can lower costs, reduce environmental impact, and increase traffic safety. Calculations in the project show that about 12 percent of timber transports in Norrland use frozen roads. They can benefit from the technology and if the technology is introduced, the industry would make savings of the equivalent of SEK 15 million / year and reduced energy use equivalent to 280 cubic meter diesel. At national level, this corresponds to an energy efficiency potential of 0.12 percent. The third part of the project was about policy and regulation. Can we use the current legislation, or do we need new legislation to scale the use of geofencing across bridges? How can we ensure compliance? How can we share data? How can we handle EU trade barriers? In the report, we have suggestions for policy and legislation to implement the geofencing technology to protect sensitive bridges. Our analysis shows that it is possible with today's regulations for an authority to introduce regulations on geofences. Such rules should preferably be based on functional requirements and a system of self-monitoring.