Development of an ITS Technical Framework for the UK

The Government of the United Kingdom published an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) policy framework for the roads sector in November 2005. This paper presents the goals and objectives for the framework, the stakeholders involved, the approach being used to develop the framework and some results of case studies with different authorities. The policy introduced the need for coordination of an ITS Technical Framework at a national level, so that individually procured solutions can interface effectively, sharing data and information in a way that ensures seamless service delivery. The authors outline the conclusions made during Phase 1 of the National Technical Framework for ITS (NTFI) to date, and consequently the recommendations for Phase 2. There are seven major policy themes where ITS is expected to deliver significant benefits: improving road network management; improving road safety; better travel and traveler information; better public transport; a more efficient road freight industry; reducing negative environmental impacts; and security, crime reduction, and emergency planning. Phase 1 of the NTFI sought to achieve an overview of stakeholder aspirations in terms of what they would like the NTFI to be. The proposed approach for phase 2 of the NTFI is expected to be more pragmatic. The overarching process for the NTFI (including, but not limited to, the approach to defining user requirements, a method of scoping work to be done, an approach to deciding which interfaces need to be defined, and developing the business case for each application/service) is likely to be defined by the Department for Transport (DfT).