Is 2025 The Year to Electrify Your Fleet?
But infrastructure needs to get smarter, safer, and more efficient for the future.
Road transport is the backbone of New Zealand's economy. The efficient, flexible, and safe movement of goods and services is vital to the country's prosperity. Without a well-functioning road network, New Zealand would face significant challenges, including the spoilage of food in warehouses, delays in resource transport to ports, and goods stranded at docks.
However, there is a growing concern that infrastructure investment in New Zealand does not align with the needs of its expanding economy and population. Much of the country's road infrastructure dates to the mid-20th century, while modern vehicles and transportation demands are firmly rooted in the 21st century. Despite the daily visible roadwork projects, there is a pressing need to address this infrastructure gap.
Outdated road technologies act as a hindrance to economic growth in New Zealand. This not only affects businesses but also has a direct impact on consumers, particularly during times of rising living costs. Much has been said about New Zealand’s significant national infrastructure deficit and the need to address it. The dollar amount of that deficit varies depending on the source. Treasury’s 2022 Investment Statement puts the figure at $210 billion. The New Zealand Infrastructure Commission: Te Waihanga has stated the nation would need to spend $31 billion on infrastructure each year, for the next 30 years, if we are to build our way out of current and future infrastructure challenges1. That puts into context the severity of the situation New Zealand is in. It is simply not sustainable.
To address these challenges, two main approaches are essential. Firstly, there needs to be increased local and national government spending on road infrastructure. Responsibility for roads in New Zealand is shared among different levels of government, emphasising the need for coordinated efforts to maximise the impact of these investments. Secondly, the country must embrace smart road technologies and encourage the development of systems that allow vehicles to communicate with each other and the infrastructure.
Recent efforts, such as the New Zealand Government's allocation of $71 billion to infrastructure investment over the next five years, are steps in the right direction. However, the adequacy of this investment remains a subject of debate and further examination.
To keep pace with its growing economy, New Zealand should prioritise the implementation of smart road technologies. While dynamic overhead signage and adaptive traffic control systems are already known features on roads, the next generation of smart roads will harness vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) technologies.
In V2I systems, vehicles receive real-time information about road conditions, incidents, congestion, and hazards from Internet of Things (IoT) sensors integrated into the road infrastructure. For example, a truck ascending a blind hill could receive a warning about a queue forming over the crest, allowing the driver to slow down and potentially avoid a collision.
V2V technology enables vehicles to communicate seamlessly with each other, sharing data about traffic and road conditions. Ultimately, this technology could be utilised in autonomous vehicles to create 'convoys' on highways, reducing the risk associated with human drivers and potentially enhancing road safety.
However, the challenge lies in the fact that V2V and V2I are relatively new technologies, lacking standardised regulations for their widespread adoption. This creates a catch-22 situation: vehicle manufacturers may be hesitant to incorporate these technologies until sufficient infrastructure is in place, while road builders may be reluctant to invest in V2I without a critical mass of equipped vehicles.
New Zealand's significant infrastructure investment is an important starting point to ensure the continued smooth operation of the country's transport network. However, the integration of advanced technology into roads and vehicles will be crucial for making the entire system smarter, safer, and more efficient in the years to come.