With human error contributing to more than 90 per cent of crashes, automated vehicles have enormous potential to reduce the road toll, and to help those with limited mobility travel more easily.



When it comes to transport automation, there’s still a lot more to discover. With the auto industry predicting we are just five to 10 years away from automated vehicles being on the market, Victoria’s road infrastructure must be ready.

In anticipation of the new technology, RACV is actively involved in a number of automated vehicle trials to help understand how road infrastructure and regulations must adapt, and to help prepare the community for driverless cars. Our program of activities gauge public attitudes to automated driving and how the changes will affect everyone’s life.

RACV Trials

RACV is participating in a diverse range of automated technology trials to help us get a clear understanding of the potential safety improvements offered by automated vehicles; how the technology works and what the implications are for the community.

AIMES Test bed

Australian Integrated Multimodal EcoSystem (AIMES) is an exciting project to establish a living laboratory on the streets of Melbourne. The project has already trialled an autonomous vehicle in Carlton and is continuously rolling out other highly integrated transport technology which will help deliver safer, cleaner and more sustainable transport outcomes within complex urban environments.

This busy suburban area of 4.5 square kilometres in inner Melbourne, encompassing Carlton, Fitzroy and Collingwood is a perfect location to test a new generation of connected transport systems. The test bed includes a broad mix of roads ranging from busy arterials to small local streets and laneways.

The area is systematically being equipped with advanced sensors for measuring emissions and noise levels and communications infrastructure such as wireless devices on vehicles including our own breakdown fleet. Our growing cities will need these systems to manage their increasing traffic.

The test bed covers all modes of transport, collecting data on vehicles, cyclists, public transport, pedestrians and traffic infrastructure.

RACV is a participant at all levels of the project on the including the technical committee.