Back in February Computergram reported that the UK Department of Transport was to go ahead with plans to introduce Autoguide, an electronic car route guidance system (CI No 869). According to reports at the time the driver would simply program a starting point and destination into an in-vehicle computer system, which would be fed up-to-the-minute traffic information by a central computer linked to a network of infra-red roadside beacons. The beacon equipment consists of a controller connected to a number of beacon heads, which are in turn linked to the control centre receiving continuous information on traffic conditions. As the driver sets off the direction and distance are constantly updated, and when a turn is required the driver is given an audible warning. A small demonstration scheme, sponsored by a dozen private sector organisations, took place in London in March. Three roadside beacons were set up in Westminster, Heathrow and on the M4, giving route guidance to 15 demonstration drivers. The demonstration was considered a success and in the Queen’s Speech last month, the government said it would introduce legislation early in the New Year allowing a privately run pilot system operate within the M25 corridor. The pilot Autoguide system, expected to be up and running by 1992, will use pulses of infra-red light to transmit and receive information at 125Kbps. At the moment there are two consortia bidding for the pilot contract: one is headed by Plessey Co Plc and Siemens AG in association with the Automobile Association, the other headed by GEC Plc in association with the Royal Automobile Club, while a third consortium headed by Ferranti Plc might also bid. Siemens, along with Robert Bosch GmbH, is involved in developing a German system and has begun testing hardware for the guidance system with money provided by both government and industry in Berlin. The project has cost $8m to date, with 700 vehicles in field trials that are due to be completed next year. Though Siemens’ German experience may seem to give the Plessey grouping an edge over its rival, Plessey has complained bitterly that the much publicised GEC/Siemens takeover bid is seriously affecting its chances of getting a licence. It is estimated that the hardware will cost between UKP200 and UKP350 when in full production, and there will be an annual usage fee of about UKP100. Neither group will reveal how much it is investing in the project, but it is estimated that it will cost up to UKP12m for the pilot scheme alone.
