The Netherlands is to conduct a major truck platooning trial in the port of Rotterdam. In truck platooning, several trucks drive less than a second away from each other with the vehicle driving independently. A driver is present but does not have to drive himself. The Netherlands is organising the so-called EU Truck Platooning Challenge 2016 on 6 April as part of the upcoming EU presidency.
Through its presidency, the Netherlands aims to put some highly valued topics high on its agenda. Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) is one such topic because the Dutch government, among others, sees many advantages in this way of transport. In April, ITS will thus be the main topic of the informal Transport Council held in Amsterdam. Autonomous driving, which does not require the driver to drive himself, and truck platooning already serve as examples of new initiatives in logistics and transport.
Rotterdam Challenge
The trial that the Netherlands plans to organise in April is mainly intended to encourage better cooperation. Several countries, including Germany and the Netherlands, are already holding tests of autonomous driving trucks on public roads. The test to be held next year should accelerate the adoption of this mode of transport.
On its website, the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment reveals exactly what the trial entails: "The idea is to have the major truck manufacturers drive from their headquarters over the main road network into the Netherlands. Each convoy will consist of two and a maximum of three combinations. These are linked together by electronic means with the rear vehicle following the front one fully automatically without the driver's input."
TNO enthusiastic
TNO says on its website that it is enthusiastic about the development of Truck Platooning. "Truck Platooning is the future for freight transport. Transport companies benefit from lower fuel consumption and improved (driver) productivity. While society benefits from fewer accidents, safer traffic, less congested roads, and reduced CO2 emissions."
Editorial LogistiekProfs
