The road ahead – Arup ponders the future of driving

Envision a planet free of site visitors jams, roadworks, and pollution, where your auto drives you wherever you want to go although you sit back and unwind.

This may possibly sound like the stuff of dreams, but according to the Future of Highways report from engineering consultancy Arup, this could be specifically the sort of anxiety-totally free motoring we’ll appreciate in years to come.

Driving in a worldwide context

The report looks at how speedy improvement of our cities, along with climate adjust, dwindling resources and adjustments in human behaviour, will impact our roads, cars and driving habits.

At present, much more than half the world’s population of 6 billion lives in cities, with a staggering 172,800 new urban-dwellers joining them each day.

According to Arup, this implies that by 2050, around 75% of men and women will be reside in cities.

Jam tomorrow?

Though the quantity of automobiles on the road is expected to increase by 3% annually until 2030, after that numbers are anticipated to lessen, with individuals more likely to employ automobiles when they need to have them, rather than buying them.

Altering behaviour and rising awareness of the importance of wellness and fitness will also imply that much more folks will, we’re told, turn to walking, cycling and other modes of transport to get around, rather than relying on automobiles.

Charge of the electric car brigade!

These that do drive will look for a lot more environmentally-friendly cars, so gas-guzzling automobiles will turn out to be an increasingly endangered species. Hardly surprising that the pumps will run dry sooner or later.

Electric vehicles will develop in reputation, with technological developments enabling batteries last longer than they do currently, so drivers will not be restricted to just a handful of miles ahead of having to re-charge.

Ditch the pilot

Automobiles will also become driverless, thanks to fully-automated navigation systems, so you can basically get in, programme exactly where you are going to, and let the automobile do all the difficult perform for you.

They’ll also be able to broadcast and acquire details on visitors, speed, weather and any security hazards, adjusting route accordingly.

This improved ‘intelligence’ is down to what Arup describes as the ‘Internet of Things’ – the connection of devices, sensors and machines to the net.

Only connect…

At the moment there are around 1.84 connected devices per particular person on the planet, but by 2020 this is anticipated to rise to about 6.6 devices per person.

Cars will even be able to communicate with each and every other, letting every single other know about possible hazards as effectively as relaying details about their speed and direction.

Solar roads

But it is not only cars which will turn out to be far more technologically sophisticated in years to come.

Arup’s vision of the future includes sophisticated solar panel road surfaces, which would generate clean and renewable energy. Electric vehicles could be charged as they are driving along, or when they are parked, so you wouldn’t have to plug them in overnight as you do now.

Panel heaters

Solar-panel surfaces would have other advantages as well, as they’d include LED lighting to light the way, as nicely as heating elements to preserve roads snow and ice-cost-free.

Drivers would no longer have to fear skidding in freezing conditions (but there’d be no excuse to take the day off function in undesirable climate either.)

New technologies will generate other possibilities as well, for example, such as concrete that makes use of bacteria to heal cracks, therefore decreasing the need to have for repairs and roadworks which snarl up visitors.

Science reality

These developments might all sound as though they belong in a sci-fi film, but they may well occur sooner than you consider.

For instance, Milton Keynes is already charging electric buses wirelessly as portion of a trial led by Mitsui and Arup.

Arup is also operating with the Crown Estate and Land Securities to use centres to consolidate goods and deliver them to shops on London’s Regent Street with the ultimate aim of minimizing the quantity of polluting diesel delivery vans.

Whatever occurs in the future, it is clear that we need to have to take action to tackle not only to make driving a lot more environmentally friendly, but also to reduce the pressure on our infrastructure from our growing population.

The road ahead – Arup ponders the future of driving

The road ahead – Arup ponders the future of driving

Picture a world totally free of site visitors jams, roadworks, and pollution, where your automobile drives you wherever you want to go although you sit back and loosen up.

This may sound like the stuff of dreams, but according to the Future of Highways report from engineering consultancy Arup, this could be specifically the sort of tension-totally free motoring we’ll appreciate in years to come.

Driving in a worldwide context

The report looks at how fast development of our cities, along with climate alter, dwindling sources and alterations in human behaviour, will impact our roads, cars and driving habits.

Presently, more than half the world’s population of 6 billion lives in cities, with a staggering 172,800 new urban-dwellers joining them each and every day.

According to Arup, this means that by 2050, around 75% of people will be live in cities.

Jam tomorrow?

Although the quantity of vehicles on the road is expected to improve by 3% annually till 2030, after that numbers are anticipated to reduce, with folks far more likely to hire cars when they need to have them, rather than purchasing them.

Altering behaviour and rising awareness of the importance of health and fitness will also imply that more men and women will, we’re told, turn to walking, cycling and other modes of transport to get around, rather than relying on vehicles.

Charge of the electric car brigade!

These that do drive will look for much more environmentally-friendly cars, so gas-guzzling cars will grow to be an increasingly endangered species. Hardly surprising that the pumps will run dry sooner or later.

Electric cars will grow in popularity, with technological developments enabling batteries last longer than they do at the moment, so drivers won’t be restricted to just a few miles just before getting to re-charge.

Ditch the pilot

Vehicles will also become driverless, thanks to totally-automated navigation systems, so you can merely get in, programme where you are going to, and let the vehicle do all the difficult operate for you.

They’ll also be able to broadcast and obtain information on targeted traffic, speed, weather and any safety hazards, adjusting route accordingly.

This improved ‘intelligence’ is down to what Arup describes as the ‘Internet of Things’ – the connection of devices, sensors and machines to the internet.

Only connect…

At the moment there are about 1.84 connected devices per person on the planet, but by 2020 this is anticipated to rise to about 6.6 devices per particular person.

Cars will even be in a position to communicate with every single other, letting every single other know about potential hazards as nicely as relaying data about their speed and direction.

Solar roads

But it’s not only automobiles which will grow to be more technologically sophisticated in years to come.

Arup’s vision of the future consists of advanced solar panel road surfaces, which would produce clean and renewable energy. Electric automobiles could be charged as they are driving along, or when they are parked, so you wouldn’t have to plug them in overnight as you do now.

Panel heaters

Solar-panel surfaces would have other advantages as well, as they’d contain LED lighting to light the way, as well as heating components to hold roads snow and ice-free.

Drivers would no longer have to fear skidding in freezing situations (but there’d be no excuse to take the day off operate in undesirable climate either.)

New technologies will create other possibilities too, for instance, such as concrete that makes use of bacteria to heal cracks, consequently minimizing the require for repairs and roadworks which snarl up site visitors.

Science truth

These developments may well all sound as even though they belong in a sci-fi movie, but they may occur sooner than you consider.

For instance, Milton Keynes is already charging electric buses wirelessly as portion of a trial led by Mitsui and Arup.

Arup is also working with the Crown Estate and Land Securities to use centres to consolidate goods and provide them to shops on London’s Regent Street with the ultimate aim of lowering the number of polluting diesel delivery vans.

What ever takes place in the future, it is clear that we need to have to take action to tackle not only to make driving a lot more environmentally friendly, but also to reduce the pressure on our infrastructure from our growing population.

The road ahead – Arup ponders the future of driving

The road ahead – Arup ponders the future of driving

Envision a globe cost-free of traffic jams, roadworks, and pollution, where your vehicle drives you wherever you want to go whilst you sit back and relax.

This may well sound like the stuff of dreams, but according to the Future of Highways report from engineering consultancy Arup, this could be specifically the sort of anxiety-free motoring we’ll take pleasure in in years to come.

Driving in a international context

The report appears at how rapid improvement of our cities, along with climate change, dwindling sources and modifications in human behaviour, will affect our roads, cars and driving habits.

At present, far more than half the world’s population of 6 billion lives in cities, with a staggering 172,800 new urban-dwellers joining them each day.

According to Arup, this means that by 2050, about 75% of people will be reside in cities.

Jam tomorrow?

Even though the quantity of automobiles on the road is anticipated to improve by 3% annually until 2030, following that numbers are expected to minimize, with individuals far more probably to hire autos when they want them, rather than purchasing them.

Changing behaviour and growing awareness of the importance of health and fitness will also imply that a lot more folks will, we’re told, turn to walking, cycling and other modes of transport to get about, rather than relying on vehicles.

Charge of the electric automobile brigade!

These that do drive will look for a lot more environmentally-friendly automobiles, so gas-guzzling automobiles will turn out to be an increasingly endangered species. Hardly surprising that the pumps will run dry sooner or later.

Electric vehicles will grow in popularity, with technological developments enabling batteries last longer than they do presently, so drivers won’t be restricted to just a handful of miles just before obtaining to re-charge.

Ditch the pilot

Automobiles will also grow to be driverless, thanks to completely-automated navigation systems, so you can basically get in, programme where you’re going to, and let the car do all the challenging perform for you.

They’ll also be in a position to broadcast and acquire details on site visitors, speed, weather and any safety hazards, adjusting route accordingly.

This improved ‘intelligence’ is down to what Arup describes as the ‘Internet of Things’ – the connection of devices, sensors and machines to the net.

Only connect…

At the moment there are about 1.84 connected devices per particular person on the planet, but by 2020 this is expected to rise to about 6.6 devices per person.

Vehicles will even be able to communicate with each and every other, letting each and every other know about possible hazards as properly as relaying details about their speed and path.

Solar roads

But it’s not only cars which will turn into far more technologically sophisticated in years to come.

Arup’s vision of the future contains sophisticated solar panel road surfaces, which would produce clean and renewable energy. Electric vehicles could be charged as they are driving along, or when they are parked, so you wouldn’t have to plug them in overnight as you do now.

Panel heaters

Solar-panel surfaces would have other rewards too, as they’d contain LED lighting to light the way, as effectively as heating elements to keep roads snow and ice-free.

Drivers would no longer have to fear skidding in freezing situations (but there’d be no excuse to take the day off perform in bad climate either.)

New technologies will develop other possibilities also, for example, such as concrete that makes use of bacteria to heal cracks, therefore reducing the want for repairs and roadworks which snarl up visitors.

Science reality

These developments may possibly all sound as though they belong in a sci-fi movie, but they may happen sooner than you think.

For example, Milton Keynes is currently charging electric buses wirelessly as component of a trial led by Mitsui and Arup.

Arup is also functioning with the Crown Estate and Land Securities to use centres to consolidate goods and deliver them to shops on London’s Regent Street with the ultimate aim of decreasing the quantity of polluting diesel delivery vans.

Whatever happens in the future, it is clear that we need to take action to tackle not only to make driving far more environmentally friendly, but also to minimize the stress on our infrastructure from our increasing population.

The road ahead – Arup ponders the future of driving

The road ahead – Arup ponders the future of driving

Envision a world cost-free of traffic jams, roadworks, and pollution, where your vehicle drives you wherever you want to go whilst you sit back and unwind.

This might sound like the stuff of dreams, but according to the Future of Highways report from engineering consultancy Arup, this could be exactly the sort of tension-free of charge motoring we’ll get pleasure from in years to come.

Driving in a worldwide context

The report looks at how fast development of our cities, along with climate alter, dwindling sources and changes in human behaviour, will have an effect on our roads, vehicles and driving habits.

At present, a lot more than half the world’s population of 6 billion lives in cities, with a staggering 172,800 new urban-dwellers joining them each and every day.

According to Arup, this implies that by 2050, around 75% of folks will be reside in cities.

Jam tomorrow?

Even though the number of vehicles on the road is expected to improve by 3% annually till 2030, soon after that numbers are anticipated to lessen, with men and women much more most likely to hire autos when they need them, rather than buying them.

Altering behaviour and rising awareness of the value of wellness and fitness will also imply that far more individuals will, we’re told, turn to walking, cycling and other modes of transport to get around, rather than relying on cars.

Charge of the electric auto brigade!

Those that do drive will appear for far more environmentally-friendly automobiles, so gas-guzzling vehicles will turn out to be an increasingly endangered species. Hardly surprising that the pumps will run dry sooner or later.

Electric cars will develop in recognition, with technological developments enabling batteries last longer than they do at the moment, so drivers won’t be restricted to just a couple of miles before obtaining to re-charge.

Ditch the pilot

Automobiles will also grow to be driverless, thanks to totally-automated navigation systems, so you can just get in, programme exactly where you are going to, and let the auto do all the tough operate for you.

They’ll also be in a position to broadcast and obtain info on targeted traffic, speed, weather and any security hazards, adjusting route accordingly.

This increased ‘intelligence’ is down to what Arup describes as the ‘Internet of Things’ – the connection of devices, sensors and machines to the web.

Only connect…

At the moment there are about 1.84 connected devices per particular person on the planet, but by 2020 this is expected to rise to around 6.6 devices per person.

Vehicles will even be able to communicate with each and every other, letting every single other know about prospective hazards as well as relaying information about their speed and direction.

Solar roads

But it’s not only vehicles which will turn into far more technologically sophisticated in years to come.

Arup’s vision of the future includes advanced solar panel road surfaces, which would create clean and renewable power. Electric automobiles could be charged as they are driving along, or when they are parked, so you wouldn’t have to plug them in overnight as you do now.

Panel heaters

Solar-panel surfaces would have other positive aspects also, as they’d include LED lighting to light the way, as properly as heating components to hold roads snow and ice-totally free.

Drivers would no longer have to worry skidding in freezing circumstances (but there’d be no excuse to take the day off function in undesirable weather either.)

New technologies will develop other possibilities also, for instance, such as concrete that makes use of bacteria to heal cracks, as a result reducing the want for repairs and roadworks which snarl up site visitors.

Science reality

These developments may well all sound as although they belong in a sci-fi film, but they may possibly happen sooner than you believe.

For example, Milton Keynes is currently charging electric buses wirelessly as part of a trial led by Mitsui and Arup.

Arup is also functioning with the Crown Estate and Land Securities to use centres to consolidate goods and deliver them to shops on London’s Regent Street with the ultimate aim of reducing the quantity of polluting diesel delivery vans.

Whatever happens in the future, it is clear that we want to take action to tackle not only to make driving more environmentally friendly, but also to minimize the stress on our infrastructure from our expanding population.

The road ahead – Arup ponders the future of driving

The road ahead – Arup ponders the future of driving

Imagine a world free of traffic jams, roadworks, and pollution, where your car drives you wherever you want to go while you sit back and relax.

This might sound like the stuff of dreams, but according to the Future of Highways report from engineering consultancy Arup, this could be exactly the sort of stress-free motoring we’ll enjoy in years to come.

Driving in a global context

The report looks at how rapid development of our cities, along with climate change, dwindling resources and changes in human behaviour, will affect our roads, cars and driving habits.

Currently, more than half the world’s population of 6 billion lives in cities, with a staggering 172,800 new urban-dwellers joining them every day.

According to Arup, this means that by 2050, around 75% of people will be live in cities.

Jam tomorrow?

Although the number of cars on the road is expected to increase by 3% annually until 2030, after that numbers are expected to reduce, with people more likely to hire vehicles when they need them, rather than buying them.

Changing behaviour and increasing awareness of the importance of health and fitness will also mean that more people will, we’re told, turn to walking, cycling and other modes of transport to get around, rather than relying on cars.

Charge of the electric car brigade!

Those that do drive will look for more environmentally-friendly vehicles, so gas-guzzling cars will become an increasingly endangered species. Hardly surprising that the pumps will run dry sooner or later.

Electric cars will grow in popularity, with technological developments enabling batteries last longer than they do currently, so drivers won’t be restricted to just a few miles before having to re-charge.

Ditch the pilot

Cars will also become driverless, thanks to fully-automated navigation systems, so you can simply get in, programme where you’re going to, and let the car do all the hard work for you.

They’ll also be able to broadcast and receive information on traffic, speed, weather and any safety hazards, adjusting route accordingly.

This increased ‘intelligence’ is down to what Arup describes as the ‘Internet of Things’ – the connection of devices, sensors and machines to the web.

Only connect…

At the moment there are around 1.84 connected devices per person on the planet, but by 2020 this is expected to rise to around 6.6 devices per person.

Cars will even be able to communicate with each other, letting each other know about potential hazards as well as relaying information about their speed and direction.

Solar roads

But it’s not only cars which will become more technologically advanced in years to come.

Arup’s vision of the future includes advanced solar panel road surfaces, which would generate clean and renewable power. Electric cars could be charged as they are driving along, or when they are parked, so you wouldn’t have to plug them in overnight as you do now.

Panel heaters

Solar-panel surfaces would have other benefits too, as they’d contain LED lighting to light the way, as well as heating elements to keep roads snow and ice-free.

Drivers would no longer have to fear skidding in freezing conditions (but there’d be no excuse to take the day off work in bad weather either.)

New technologies will create other possibilities too, for example, such as concrete that uses bacteria to heal cracks, therefore reducing the need for repairs and roadworks which snarl up traffic.

Science fact

These developments might all sound as though they belong in a sci-fi movie, but they might happen sooner than you think.

For example, Milton Keynes is already charging electric buses wirelessly as part of a trial led by Mitsui and Arup.

Arup is also working with the Crown Estate and Land Securities to use centres to consolidate goods and deliver them to shops on London’s Regent Street with the ultimate aim of reducing the number of polluting diesel delivery vans.

Whatever happens in the future, it is clear that we need to take action to tackle not only to make driving more environmentally friendly, but also to reduce the pressure on our infrastructure from our growing population.

The road ahead – Arup ponders the future of driving

The road ahead – Arup ponders the future of driving

Imagine a world free of traffic jams, roadworks, and pollution, where your car drives you wherever you want to go while you sit back and relax.

This might sound like the stuff of dreams, but according to the Future of Highways report from engineering consultancy Arup, this could be exactly the sort of stress-free motoring we’ll enjoy in years to come.

Driving in a global context

The report looks at how rapid development of our cities, along with climate change, dwindling resources and changes in human behaviour, will affect our roads, cars and driving habits.

Currently, more than half the world’s population of 6 billion lives in cities, with a staggering 172,800 new urban-dwellers joining them every day.

According to Arup, this means that by 2050, around 75% of people will be live in cities.

Jam tomorrow?

Although the number of cars on the road is expected to increase by 3% annually until 2030, after that numbers are expected to reduce, with people more likely to hire vehicles when they need them, rather than buying them.

Changing behaviour and increasing awareness of the importance of health and fitness will also mean that more people will, we’re told, turn to walking, cycling and other modes of transport to get around, rather than relying on cars.

Charge of the electric car brigade!

Those that do drive will look for more environmentally-friendly vehicles, so gas-guzzling cars will become an increasingly endangered species. Hardly surprising that the pumps will run dry sooner or later.

Electric cars will grow in popularity, with technological developments enabling batteries last longer than they do currently, so drivers won’t be restricted to just a few miles before having to re-charge.

Ditch the pilot

Cars will also become driverless, thanks to fully-automated navigation systems, so you can simply get in, programme where you’re going to, and let the car do all the hard work for you.

They’ll also be able to broadcast and receive information on traffic, speed, weather and any safety hazards, adjusting route accordingly.

This increased ‘intelligence’ is down to what Arup describes as the ‘Internet of Things’ – the connection of devices, sensors and machines to the web.

Only connect…

At the moment there are around 1.84 connected devices per person on the planet, but by 2020 this is expected to rise to around 6.6 devices per person.

Cars will even be able to communicate with each other, letting each other know about potential hazards as well as relaying information about their speed and direction.

Solar roads

But it’s not only cars which will become more technologically advanced in years to come.

Arup’s vision of the future includes advanced solar panel road surfaces, which would generate clean and renewable power. Electric cars could be charged as they are driving along, or when they are parked, so you wouldn’t have to plug them in overnight as you do now.

Panel heaters

Solar-panel surfaces would have other benefits too, as they’d contain LED lighting to light the way, as well as heating elements to keep roads snow and ice-free.

Drivers would no longer have to fear skidding in freezing conditions (but there’d be no excuse to take the day off work in bad weather either.)

New technologies will create other possibilities too, for example, such as concrete that uses bacteria to heal cracks, therefore reducing the need for repairs and roadworks which snarl up traffic.

Science fact

These developments might all sound as though they belong in a sci-fi movie, but they might happen sooner than you think.

For example, Milton Keynes is already charging electric buses wirelessly as part of a trial led by Mitsui and Arup.

Arup is also working with the Crown Estate and Land Securities to use centres to consolidate goods and deliver them to shops on London’s Regent Street with the ultimate aim of reducing the number of polluting diesel delivery vans.

Whatever happens in the future, it is clear that we need to take action to tackle not only to make driving more environmentally friendly, but also to reduce the pressure on our infrastructure from our growing population.

The road ahead – Arup ponders the future of driving

The road ahead – Arup ponders the future of driving

Envision a planet cost-free of targeted traffic jams, roadworks, and pollution, exactly where your vehicle drives you wherever you want to go although you sit back and loosen up.

This may sound like the stuff of dreams, but according to the Future of Highways report from engineering consultancy Arup, this could be exactly the sort of tension-free motoring we’ll appreciate in years to come.

Driving in a global context

The report appears at how fast improvement of our cities, along with climate alter, dwindling sources and changes in human behaviour, will influence our roads, automobiles and driving habits.

Presently, much more than half the world’s population of 6 billion lives in cities, with a staggering 172,800 new urban-dwellers joining them each and every day.

According to Arup, this signifies that by 2050, around 75% of individuals will be live in cities.

Jam tomorrow?

Even though the number of cars on the road is anticipated to increase by 3% annually until 2030, soon after that numbers are expected to minimize, with individuals much more most likely to hire automobiles when they want them, rather than acquiring them.

Altering behaviour and increasing awareness of the importance of overall health and fitness will also imply that more folks will, we’re told, turn to walking, cycling and other modes of transport to get about, rather than relying on vehicles.

Charge of the electric vehicle brigade!

Those that do drive will look for far more environmentally-friendly cars, so gas-guzzling automobiles will grow to be an increasingly endangered species. Hardly surprising that the pumps will run dry sooner or later.

Electric vehicles will develop in popularity, with technological developments enabling batteries last longer than they do at present, so drivers won’t be restricted to just a couple of miles before getting to re-charge.

Ditch the pilot

Vehicles will also turn into driverless, thanks to fully-automated navigation systems, so you can just get in, programme exactly where you’re going to, and let the auto do all the tough work for you.

They’ll also be able to broadcast and obtain info on traffic, speed, weather and any security hazards, adjusting route accordingly.

This enhanced ‘intelligence’ is down to what Arup describes as the ‘Internet of Things’ – the connection of devices, sensors and machines to the internet.

Only connect…

At the moment there are about 1.84 connected devices per person on the planet, but by 2020 this is anticipated to rise to about 6.6 devices per individual.

Vehicles will even be able to communicate with every other, letting every single other know about possible hazards as properly as relaying details about their speed and path.

Solar roads

But it’s not only vehicles which will grow to be far more technologically sophisticated in years to come.

Arup’s vision of the future includes sophisticated solar panel road surfaces, which would generate clean and renewable energy. Electric automobiles could be charged as they are driving along, or when they are parked, so you wouldn’t have to plug them in overnight as you do now.

Panel heaters

Solar-panel surfaces would have other positive aspects also, as they’d include LED lighting to light the way, as well as heating components to hold roads snow and ice-totally free.

Drivers would no longer have to fear skidding in freezing situations (but there’d be no excuse to take the day off operate in bad weather either.)

New technologies will create other possibilities as well, for instance, such as concrete that uses bacteria to heal cracks, therefore reducing the need to have for repairs and roadworks which snarl up site visitors.

Science fact

These developments may well all sound as though they belong in a sci-fi film, but they may well happen sooner than you think.

For instance, Milton Keynes is currently charging electric buses wirelessly as component of a trial led by Mitsui and Arup.

Arup is also working with the Crown Estate and Land Securities to use centres to consolidate goods and deliver them to shops on London’s Regent Street with the ultimate aim of lowering the quantity of polluting diesel delivery vans.

Whatever occurs in the future, it is clear that we need to take action to tackle not only to make driving a lot more environmentally friendly, but also to minimize the pressure on our infrastructure from our growing population.

The road ahead – Arup ponders the future of driving

The road ahead – Arup ponders the future of driving

Imagine a world free of traffic jams, roadworks, and pollution, where your car drives you wherever you want to go while you sit back and relax.

This might sound like the stuff of dreams, but according to the Future of Highways report from engineering consultancy Arup, this could be exactly the sort of stress-free motoring we’ll enjoy in years to come.

Driving in a global context

The report looks at how rapid development of our cities, along with climate change, dwindling resources and changes in human behaviour, will affect our roads, cars and driving habits.

Currently, more than half the world’s population of 6 billion lives in cities, with a staggering 172,800 new urban-dwellers joining them every day.

According to Arup, this means that by 2050, around 75% of people will be live in cities.

Jam tomorrow?

Although the number of cars on the road is expected to increase by 3% annually until 2030, after that numbers are expected to reduce, with people more likely to hire vehicles when they need them, rather than buying them.

Changing behaviour and increasing awareness of the importance of health and fitness will also mean that more people will, we’re told, turn to walking, cycling and other modes of transport to get around, rather than relying on cars.

Charge of the electric car brigade!

Those that do drive will look for more environmentally-friendly vehicles, so gas-guzzling cars will become an increasingly endangered species. Hardly surprising that the pumps will run dry sooner or later.

Electric cars will grow in popularity, with technological developments enabling batteries last longer than they do currently, so drivers won’t be restricted to just a few miles before having to re-charge.

Ditch the pilot

Cars will also become driverless, thanks to fully-automated navigation systems, so you can simply get in, programme where you’re going to, and let the car do all the hard work for you.

They’ll also be able to broadcast and receive information on traffic, speed, weather and any safety hazards, adjusting route accordingly.

This increased ‘intelligence’ is down to what Arup describes as the ‘Internet of Things’ – the connection of devices, sensors and machines to the web.

Only connect…

At the moment there are around 1.84 connected devices per person on the planet, but by 2020 this is expected to rise to around 6.6 devices per person.

Cars will even be able to communicate with each other, letting each other know about potential hazards as well as relaying information about their speed and direction.

Solar roads

But it’s not only cars which will become more technologically advanced in years to come.

Arup’s vision of the future includes advanced solar panel road surfaces, which would generate clean and renewable power. Electric cars could be charged as they are driving along, or when they are parked, so you wouldn’t have to plug them in overnight as you do now.

Panel heaters

Solar-panel surfaces would have other benefits too, as they’d contain LED lighting to light the way, as well as heating elements to keep roads snow and ice-free.

Drivers would no longer have to fear skidding in freezing conditions (but there’d be no excuse to take the day off work in bad weather either.)

New technologies will create other possibilities too, for example, such as concrete that uses bacteria to heal cracks, therefore reducing the need for repairs and roadworks which snarl up traffic.

Science fact

These developments might all sound as though they belong in a sci-fi movie, but they might happen sooner than you think.

For example, Milton Keynes is already charging electric buses wirelessly as part of a trial led by Mitsui and Arup.

Arup is also working with the Crown Estate and Land Securities to use centres to consolidate goods and deliver them to shops on London’s Regent Street with the ultimate aim of reducing the number of polluting diesel delivery vans.

Whatever happens in the future, it is clear that we need to take action to tackle not only to make driving more environmentally friendly, but also to reduce the pressure on our infrastructure from our growing population.

The road ahead – Arup ponders the future of driving

The road ahead – Arup ponders the future of driving

Picture a planet cost-free of visitors jams, roadworks, and pollution, exactly where your auto drives you wherever you want to go even though you sit back and relax.

This may sound like the stuff of dreams, but according to the Future of Highways report from engineering consultancy Arup, this could be specifically the sort of tension-free of charge motoring we’ll appreciate in years to come.

Driving in a global context

The report looks at how rapid development of our cities, along with climate adjust, dwindling resources and changes in human behaviour, will influence our roads, vehicles and driving habits.

At present, much more than half the world’s population of 6 billion lives in cities, with a staggering 172,800 new urban-dwellers joining them every day.

According to Arup, this implies that by 2050, around 75% of folks will be reside in cities.

Jam tomorrow?

Though the number of cars on the road is anticipated to improve by 3% annually till 2030, right after that numbers are expected to minimize, with folks much more most likely to hire vehicles when they want them, rather than getting them.

Altering behaviour and increasing awareness of the value of overall health and fitness will also mean that far more people will, we’re told, turn to walking, cycling and other modes of transport to get about, rather than relying on automobiles.

Charge of the electric auto brigade!

Those that do drive will look for much more environmentally-friendly vehicles, so gas-guzzling cars will grow to be an increasingly endangered species. Hardly surprising that the pumps will run dry sooner or later.

Electric cars will grow in reputation, with technological developments enabling batteries final longer than they do presently, so drivers won’t be restricted to just a couple of miles prior to having to re-charge.

Ditch the pilot

Vehicles will also turn into driverless, thanks to completely-automated navigation systems, so you can basically get in, programme exactly where you are going to, and let the car do all the challenging perform for you.

They’ll also be capable to broadcast and acquire details on visitors, speed, weather and any security hazards, adjusting route accordingly.

This enhanced ‘intelligence’ is down to what Arup describes as the ‘Internet of Things’ – the connection of devices, sensors and machines to the web.

Only connect…

At the moment there are around 1.84 connected devices per particular person on the planet, but by 2020 this is expected to rise to around 6.6 devices per particular person.

Cars will even be able to communicate with every single other, letting each and every other know about prospective hazards as well as relaying details about their speed and path.

Solar roads

But it’s not only vehicles which will become more technologically sophisticated in years to come.

Arup’s vision of the future includes sophisticated solar panel road surfaces, which would produce clean and renewable power. Electric vehicles could be charged as they are driving along, or when they are parked, so you wouldn’t have to plug them in overnight as you do now.

Panel heaters

Solar-panel surfaces would have other benefits also, as they’d include LED lighting to light the way, as nicely as heating components to maintain roads snow and ice-totally free.

Drivers would no longer have to worry skidding in freezing circumstances (but there’d be no excuse to take the day off operate in bad weather either.)

New technologies will create other possibilities as well, for instance, such as concrete that makes use of bacteria to heal cracks, therefore minimizing the need for repairs and roadworks which snarl up traffic.

Science truth

These developments may well all sound as although they belong in a sci-fi film, but they may happen sooner than you consider.

For instance, Milton Keynes is already charging electric buses wirelessly as component of a trial led by Mitsui and Arup.

Arup is also functioning with the Crown Estate and Land Securities to use centres to consolidate goods and provide them to shops on London’s Regent Street with the ultimate aim of minimizing the number of polluting diesel delivery vans.

What ever happens in the future, it is clear that we need to have to take action to tackle not only to make driving much more environmentally friendly, but also to decrease the pressure on our infrastructure from our expanding population.

The road ahead – Arup ponders the future of driving

The road ahead – Arup ponders the future of driving

Imagine a planet totally free of traffic jams, roadworks, and pollution, where your vehicle drives you wherever you want to go while you sit back and loosen up.

This may sound like the stuff of dreams, but according to the Future of Highways report from engineering consultancy Arup, this could be precisely the sort of anxiety-free of charge motoring we’ll take pleasure in in years to come.

Driving in a global context

The report appears at how fast improvement of our cities, along with climate adjust, dwindling sources and changes in human behaviour, will impact our roads, vehicles and driving habits.

At present, far more than half the world’s population of 6 billion lives in cities, with a staggering 172,800 new urban-dwellers joining them each day.

According to Arup, this means that by 2050, about 75% of people will be reside in cities.

Jam tomorrow?

Although the number of automobiles on the road is anticipated to improve by 3% annually until 2030, after that numbers are anticipated to decrease, with individuals far more likely to hire automobiles when they require them, rather than getting them.

Changing behaviour and rising awareness of the importance of well being and fitness will also imply that far more folks will, we’re told, turn to walking, cycling and other modes of transport to get about, rather than relying on cars.

Charge of the electric automobile brigade!

Those that do drive will appear for a lot more environmentally-friendly cars, so gas-guzzling vehicles will turn out to be an increasingly endangered species. Hardly surprising that the pumps will run dry sooner or later.

Electric vehicles will develop in reputation, with technological developments enabling batteries final longer than they do at present, so drivers won’t be restricted to just a couple of miles prior to obtaining to re-charge.

Ditch the pilot

Automobiles will also become driverless, thanks to totally-automated navigation systems, so you can simply get in, programme exactly where you’re going to, and let the vehicle do all the tough function for you.

They’ll also be in a position to broadcast and get details on traffic, speed, weather and any security hazards, adjusting route accordingly.

This increased ‘intelligence’ is down to what Arup describes as the ‘Internet of Things’ – the connection of devices, sensors and machines to the internet.

Only connect…

At the moment there are about 1.84 connected devices per individual on the planet, but by 2020 this is anticipated to rise to around 6.6 devices per particular person.

Vehicles will even be in a position to communicate with every other, letting every single other know about potential hazards as well as relaying details about their speed and direction.

Solar roads

But it is not only vehicles which will grow to be much more technologically advanced in years to come.

Arup’s vision of the future involves advanced solar panel road surfaces, which would create clean and renewable energy. Electric vehicles could be charged as they are driving along, or when they are parked, so you wouldn’t have to plug them in overnight as you do now.

Panel heaters

Solar-panel surfaces would have other positive aspects too, as they’d contain LED lighting to light the way, as effectively as heating components to maintain roads snow and ice-cost-free.

Drivers would no longer have to fear skidding in freezing conditions (but there’d be no excuse to take the day off perform in negative weather either.)

New technologies will produce other possibilities also, for example, such as concrete that utilizes bacteria to heal cracks, as a result lowering the need for repairs and roadworks which snarl up targeted traffic.

Science truth

These developments may possibly all sound as even though they belong in a sci-fi film, but they might take place sooner than you consider.

For example, Milton Keynes is already charging electric buses wirelessly as component of a trial led by Mitsui and Arup.

Arup is also operating with the Crown Estate and Land Securities to use centres to consolidate goods and deliver them to shops on London’s Regent Street with the ultimate aim of reducing the number of polluting diesel delivery vans.

Whatever happens in the future, it is clear that we want to take action to tackle not only to make driving a lot more environmentally friendly, but also to minimize the pressure on our infrastructure from our increasing population.

The road ahead – Arup ponders the future of driving

The road ahead – Arup ponders the future of driving

Imagine a world free of traffic jams, roadworks, and pollution, where your car drives you wherever you want to go while you sit back and relax.

This might sound like the stuff of dreams, but according to the Future of Highways report from engineering consultancy Arup, this could be exactly the sort of stress-free motoring we’ll enjoy in years to come.

Driving in a global context

The report looks at how rapid development of our cities, along with climate change, dwindling resources and changes in human behaviour, will affect our roads, cars and driving habits.

Currently, more than half the world’s population of 6 billion lives in cities, with a staggering 172,800 new urban-dwellers joining them every day.

According to Arup, this means that by 2050, around 75% of people will be live in cities.

Jam tomorrow?

Although the number of cars on the road is expected to increase by 3% annually until 2030, after that numbers are expected to reduce, with people more likely to hire vehicles when they need them, rather than buying them.

Changing behaviour and increasing awareness of the importance of health and fitness will also mean that more people will, we’re told, turn to walking, cycling and other modes of transport to get around, rather than relying on cars.

Charge of the electric car brigade!

Those that do drive will look for more environmentally-friendly vehicles, so gas-guzzling cars will become an increasingly endangered species. Hardly surprising that the pumps will run dry sooner or later.

Electric cars will grow in popularity, with technological developments enabling batteries last longer than they do currently, so drivers won’t be restricted to just a few miles before having to re-charge.

Ditch the pilot

Cars will also become driverless, thanks to fully-automated navigation systems, so you can simply get in, programme where you’re going to, and let the car do all the hard work for you.

They’ll also be able to broadcast and receive information on traffic, speed, weather and any safety hazards, adjusting route accordingly.

This increased ‘intelligence’ is down to what Arup describes as the ‘Internet of Things’ – the connection of devices, sensors and machines to the web.

Only connect…

At the moment there are around 1.84 connected devices per person on the planet, but by 2020 this is expected to rise to around 6.6 devices per person.

Cars will even be able to communicate with each other, letting each other know about potential hazards as well as relaying information about their speed and direction.

Solar roads

But it’s not only cars which will become more technologically advanced in years to come.

Arup’s vision of the future includes advanced solar panel road surfaces, which would generate clean and renewable power. Electric cars could be charged as they are driving along, or when they are parked, so you wouldn’t have to plug them in overnight as you do now.

Panel heaters

Solar-panel surfaces would have other benefits too, as they’d contain LED lighting to light the way, as well as heating elements to keep roads snow and ice-free.

Drivers would no longer have to fear skidding in freezing conditions (but there’d be no excuse to take the day off work in bad weather either.)

New technologies will create other possibilities too, for example, such as concrete that uses bacteria to heal cracks, therefore reducing the need for repairs and roadworks which snarl up traffic.

Science fact

These developments might all sound as though they belong in a sci-fi movie, but they might happen sooner than you think.

For example, Milton Keynes is already charging electric buses wirelessly as part of a trial led by Mitsui and Arup.

Arup is also working with the Crown Estate and Land Securities to use centres to consolidate goods and deliver them to shops on London’s Regent Street with the ultimate aim of reducing the number of polluting diesel delivery vans.

Whatever happens in the future, it is clear that we need to take action to tackle not only to make driving more environmentally friendly, but also to reduce the pressure on our infrastructure from our growing population.

The road ahead – Arup ponders the future of driving