Firm: Allens (VicRoads)

Deal: Allens has advised Vicroads on its Connected and Automated Vehicle Trial Grant Program on its connected vehicle trial using 4G mobile networks.

Value: $9 million

Area: Communications, transport, technology

Key players: Allens’ team was led by partner Penny Alexander, with partner Michael Park, and associates Amy Byrne and Leah Wickman.

Deal significance: The connected and automated vehicle trial grant program has seen VicRoads announce a $3.5 million grant to Telstra and Lexus Australia for Australia’s first connected vehicle field trial using advanced 4G mobile networks, as the first of a number of grants to be announced according to Allens.

Telstra will use Lexus equipped vehicles equipped with advanced safety systems such as crash warning systems and lane keeping assist which have been enhanced through Telstra 4G technology as part of the grant, the firm said.

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“The initiative will enable communication between vehicles to alert drivers of hazards and changed road conditions,” the statement explained, with vehicles also communicating with infrastructure via the cloud.

The grants program is part of Victoria’s Towards Zero Road Safety Strategy, “aiming to reduce the incidence of death and serious injury on Victorian roads by researching, evaluating and fostering the adoption of behaviours and technologies that improve road user safety,” Allens explained.

Commenting on the deal, partner Penny Alexander said “automated and connected vehicles are set to transform the way our cities are planned and the way we move within them, ushering in a new era in road safety.”

“This trial will have significant implications for both industry and our legislative environment, in which we’re seeing numerous complex challenges and opportunities,” she continued.

“We look forward to continuing our work with VicRoads and other clients at the forefront of connected and automated vehicle development as the industry continues to grow.”