To increase safety on our roads, we need to utilise all of the technology we have at hand, because connected roads are safer roads, reckons Anthony Laras, National Manager of Transport, Teletrac Navman.
With over a million trucks on Australia’s roads, safety is imperative. The innovation and adoption of technology has proven it can create safer roads through a number of means, from real-time driver alerts of upcoming rest breaks to intelligent route mapping and reliable data to help make informed decisions.
In fact, the Australian transport industry is one of the most innovative in terms of technology, and our world-class tech is being noticed on a global stage.
Regulated programs like Smart OBM and TMA provide assurance around heavy vehicle access to the state road network. Many jurisdictions across Australia are moving to this intelligent transport technology, with Queensland, NSW and Victoria already using the systems.
Through these kinds of programs, Australian customers have seen direct benefits almost instantly. This new technology enables a greater ROI thanks to the lower cost of the set-up and allows Australia’s network of access for heavy vehicles to be connected.
A long road to success
This is a significant achievement for me personally and our company because we’ve been there from the start. Thirteen years ago, our Teletrac Navman team began championing the Intelligent Access Program (IAP), a national program developed in partnership with all Australian road agencies.
By monitoring where the trucks move, transport operators can access the road network while carrying more weight. There is also the long-term benefit in our road network of governments being able to fix the roads that need to be fixed, which depends upon reliable data. For example, in watching truck movements, we may discover a bridge many trucks use, so authorities can prioritise that as the next to fix.
Benefits of Smart OBM and TMA
Certified by Transport Certification Australia, Smart OBM and TMA deliver a range of benefits, including:
Smart OBM scale calibration requirements will align with the manufacturer’s specifications, resulting in a potential change from a 6-monthly to a 12-monthly calibration schedule
In many cases, current In-Vehicle Units (IVU) and OBM scales are already compatible with TMA and Smart OBM
Often, the operating costs of TMA are less than IAP, resulting in potential cost savings for transport operators
Allowing transport operators to move more with less can generate more revenue by saving on fuel, driver hours and maintenance costs. It means fewer trips for drivers, fewer truck movements and CO2 emissions, less tyre wear and tear, more profit, and more safety.
World-first technology on a global stage
The new technology is a world first and proves Australia’s commitment to road safety is at the forefront of global standards.
In 2022, I had the privilege to address a European Union delegation, who were fascinated with what was happening here. We are miles ahead of anybody on the planet in this space.
A Connected Country
Late last year, Queensland joined Victoria and New South Wales in providing transport operators with this capability, and I’m hearing South Australia will be joining soon.
The transition to Smart OBM and TMA is a crucial step towards national harmonisation and cross-border efficiencies with aligned and connected technology.
At Teletrac Navman, we’re proud to be the first to market to offer this to customers. We look forward to continuing to see the positive effects of this technology on our road transport network.
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Connected Roads are Safer Roads appeared first on Power Torque.