The deployment of Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) and Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communication, also known as cooperative intelligent transport systems (C-ITS) is speeding up in many developed countries. For example, Japan has already an operational system at national level, the United States are considering a law mandating dedicated short-range communication in new cars, and the European Union has developed a strategy aiming at massive deployment from 2019.

These technologies involve many opportunities for road operators both for road design and operations, but also many challenges. This report provides a detailed vision of these opportunities and challenges. It formulates recommendations for countries or regions who would like to step in, including developing countries.

The work is based on surveys carried out on many existing projects all over the world, completed by a review of the existing literature.

The main opportunities identified are in the field of road safety, traffic management and traffic information, but these technologies can also reduce costs for road operators or even generate revenues. They can help road design and asset management. C-ITS provide also solutions to questions raised to road operators in developing countries, and to questions raised by automated driving.

But the challenges to be faced to start a deployment process are huge : what services to deploy ? with which technology ? how to ensure interoperability ? what are the changes in the road operator's organization ? how to cooperate with car manufacturers ? under which business model, also for data ? how to ensure security and data protection ?

The reports provide some best practices based on the experience from existing deployments.

That experience shows that the best way to start with C-ITS is to start small and to learn by doing. Pilot deployments based on a few of the most mature services (the so-called Day 1 services as described in this report) are a good start. The section on the pros and cons of each technology can help to make the best choice.

Examples of technical specifications are available from existing pilot deployments. Some are already harmonized, as in Europe, to ensure interoperability.

Security and privacy are important challenges that must be tackled with appropriate experts.

But the key point is not technical, it is to involve all relevant stakeholders: road operators cannot deploy C-ITS by themselves, they need to work in close relationship with car manufacturers and service providers who will be delivering the service to the end user.