The main aim of the DiREC project is developing a common framework to support National Road Authorities (NRAs) to provide better engagement with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and service providers, identify clearer responsibilities and liabilities, and include tools to calculate the costs and benefits of providing different levels of support to Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs). Greater engagement and dialogue are key. By understanding the infrastructure and communications requirements of automated vehicles, and the challenges faced by CAVs in an operational environment, NRAs will be able to strategically plan their networks to support Connected and Automated Driving (CAD) and place themselves in a much stronger position to influence how traffic operates on the network.

A proactive approach to liaising with vehicle manufacturers and service providers will also promote NRA involvement in the services that are developing around digital mapping, localisation, navigation and traffic management. By aligning the digital strategies and plans of the NRAs with the requirements of OEMs and CAVs, and by giving direction to service providers, a common framework for CAD will help achieve major cost efficiencies and facilitate economic transformation. It will help optimise the delivery of infrastructure and communications systems on national road networks in support of CAD implementation whilst helping NRAs maintain their influence over CAD activity. In order to facilitate productive interactions with various stakeholders involved with CAVs, WP1 within the DiREC project is dedicated to stakeholder engagement activities. This will ensure that input from different stakeholder categories will be collected and utilized for CAV-ready framework development.