New framework helps deliver safer systems (July 2021)

Our intelligent transport systems (ITS) design standards and delivery specifications (S&S) define the requirements for the design, delivery and integration of ITS equipment onto our national transport network.

Fully optimised ITS equipment benefits and enriches the lives of New Zealanders by providing the capability to communicate with people about delays, manage traffic flows through our transport operations centres (TOCs), and where possible, reduce travel times and help deliver safer systems.

What is the ITS S&S framework?

We’ve developed a framework to initiate new or update existing ITS S&S documents used by Waka Kotahi, our transport sector partners and the ITS industry.  The new framework provides opportunities for ITS users such as TOCs and subject matter experts (SMEs) to collaborate and contribute to the S&S documents. It ensures that our ITS S&S documentation is produced to a high quality so that we can deliver a safer system for all users and provide certainty, consistency and clarity for our people and industry partners.

Roles in the framework include a working group of Waka Kotahi representatives who work with ITS suppliers, approvers and SMEs. This ensures that a standard or specification is not created or updated in isolation of our work on the network or without our wider business knowledge.

Feedback so far is that the ITS industry is positive about the structured approach we are taking to create ITS S&S documents, particularly around the opportunity to review draft versions and provide feedback.

Updated ITS S&S to benefit national transport network projects

Providing new or updated ITS S&S documentation benefits all national transport network projects.  Ensuring the consistency and quality standard of our ITS helps Waka Kotahi realise the full benefit of our network upgrade and ensures a safer system for all users through:

• providing safer outcomes, road safety and risk reduction, delivering on our role of Kia marutau – enabling a safe system and our part in our Road to Zero strategy
• certainty – ensuring that during the planning and procurement stage our Waka Kotahi planners, designers and industry suppliers clearly understand our current ITS requirements
• consistency of ITS nationwide – this helps us consolidate the types of devices used on the network and to make the most out of what we have by managing it well, while also providing a consistent experience for our road users
• procurement of fit-for-purpose ITS kits for transport infrastructure projects – this reduces the risk of increased project costs of retrofitting ITS solutions.

Road to Zero strategy – MoT website(external link) 

We are maintaining a list of S&S documents that will be assessed and prioritised for review based on need, impact and outcome.

The first document created using the framework is the new ITS core requirements standard: Minimum requirements for ITS, to be released shortly.

How does it work?

The framework consists of repeatable roles-based processes to support the creation and ongoing maintenance of the ITS S&S documents. The documents are created or updated using both Waka Kotahi and ITS industry SMEs, and in consultation with the industry. This enables an open environment for collaboration and transparency to ensure we work closely with the industry and is an example of us living our value Kotahitanga.

Be a part of shaping our ITS

If you have any questions or feedback or you’d like to be a part of the process, please contact the ITS S&S team.

Email itsspec@nzta.govt.nz