Context

Paving the way towards smarter, safer and more efficient transport solutions...

In recent decades, a large number of ICT-based transport applications have been successfully developed and demonstrated in collaborative research projects throughout Europe. Their positive impact on traffic safety and efficiency are now widely recognised. However, market penetration is lagging behind, probably due to a lack of awareness and understanding of their societal benefits.

Today, a limited amount of data is available regarding real life operation of ICT-based transport applications in ordinary traffic. Yet, there is a growing need to understand several key questions which are crucial for market introduction and penetration of mature technologies: How does the driver use the system? What are the short and long term effects? How can the systems performance be further improved?

Field Operational Tests (FOT) are large-scale test programmes aiming at a comprehensive assessment of  the efficiency, quality, robustness and acceptance of ICT solutions used for smarter, safer and cleaner and more comfortable transport solutions.