Well before notions of “big data“, “connected vehicles“ and the “Internet of things“ became commonplace, a group of automobile and roads engineers came together to explore the opportunities that these developments in information technology and telecommunications might have on their businesses. The group was established as a Joint Task Force (JTF) between the World Road Association (PIARC) and the International Federation of Automotive Engineering Societies (FISITA). Both organisations share a common goal to optimise road transportation through advances in technology for the benefit of society. The JTF was tasked in particular to look at the relationship between the connected vehicle and road network management. Their report The Connected Vehicle was published in 20121. This paper from the editors of the report is a summary of the main findings that provides a context for recent developments.