Global Fleet Champions is calling all UK HGV operators to support the country’s first research into the safety implications and real-world benefits of platooning.
The UK-based Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) is looking to interview freight operators who operate certain HGVs to find out their views on adopting platooning as a business practice.
Platooning – the practice of linking vehicles in a convoy using connectivity technology – could potentially lead to lower fuel bills for fleet operators as well as reducing emissions and congestion if it is proven as safe for the roads.
The survey opportunity is being run as part of HelmUK, a government-backed project to trial platooning in the UK and understand what is required to safely put a HGV platoon on UK roads.
The study is the first of its kind to take place in a living commercial environment and attempt to quantify the real-world benefits of this new approach to freight.
As lead partner on the HelmUK project, TRL is researching how likely UK freight operators are to adopt platooning, as well as the key opportunities and limitations presented by different platooning models.
TRL is looking to interview freight operators who specifically use HGVs with box or curtain side trailers, and undertake a significant proportion of driving on motorways or primary A-roads.
Participants do not need prior knowledge of or involvement in platooning as TRL will provide some background information.
Interviews are expected to take up to one hour, and will commence in September 2021.
To register, email [email protected].