248 PART | V The future of ITS applications
Electric vehicles constitute a challenge with the location of vehicle charg-
ing stations, their connection to “smart” energy grids, the improvement of the
range of one-way traffic, as well as the charging technologies. Another problem,
already facing advanced markets, is the way in which electric car charging sta-
tions affect the power grid as sudden charging causes an imbalance in the grid.
It is therefore essential to integrate the infrastructure networks as well as the
networks to communicate with each other through a centralized platform. Au-
tomated driving aims to increase both road safety and traffic flow through the
use of automated vehicles. However, the appropriate legislative framework is
needed, as well as modifications to transport infrastructure, such as the exclu-
sive use of lanes for motor vehicles. It is a technological “revolution” that has
already improved, and continues to improve, the lives of citizens. It promises
a breakthrough in urban traffic management centers through the collection and
processing of data for optimal management of transport infrastructures and ear-
ly accident response. However, new techniques are needed for real-time traffic
forecasting, as well as the installation of equipment at focal points.
Increasing energy efficiency is a prime goal with a particularly important
parameter being energy production and consumption and their impact on the
natural environment. ITS can help reduce emissions from transport, namely
CO 2 and other gases that pollute the atmosphere, giving weight to traffic con-
gestion, reducing travel time and increasing traffic safety. Although it has been
internationally recognized that there is no consistent methodology that allows
scientists to estimate the potential CO 2 emissions that the use of ITS technolo-
gies could reduce, their value will also be judged by their ability to contribute
to transports cause less carbon emissions, less fuel, mainly due to congestion
reduction. Improved safety can be achieved, and therefore indirectly reduced
emissions, to avoid congestion that could cause accidents.
23.2 The upcoming trends
ITS are emerging, year after year, as one of the major segments of the world
market for products and services and their widespread use can make a decisive
contribution to the development and optimal exploitation of competitive ad-
vantages. Moreover, in the (not so far) future, the following trends are (among
others, of course) expected to prevail:
• The countries will increasingly choose ITSs applications, as the most ef-
ficient way to optimize their investments in infrastructure.
• Vehicle-to-vehicle safety systems will attract the interest of many countries
and automakers, but their commercial development will remain long lasting.
• The development of cities will keep pace with integrating ITSs applications
into transport plans and systems, which will lead to ambitious and integrated
management systems of transport.