The Renault Group and French motorway operator Sanef have announced that they’re working on a solution that will enable autonomous vehicles to pass through toll barriers and work zones.

Renault Group and the French motorway operator Sanef are working on a solution for autonomous vehicles and toll barriers.

The companies said connecting an autonomous car to the vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-everything infrastructures will aid with the zero fatality objective as well as enabling autonomous cars to provide continuous travel in eyes-off/hands-off mode.

The two firms have been carrying out trials since June 2016 in Normandy, France, to study the approach and crossing of toll barriers and work zones by autonomous drive Renault vehicles. The pilot works by providing the vehicle with information on which toll booths are compatible with autonomous vehicle driving 1km prior to its arrival. The vehicle can then adapt its speed accordingly with a maximum of 30kph, while sensors maintain the car in the centre of the lane, while a virtual lines system is used when the car is accelerating away.

The trials in Normandy will continue until mid-2018, with the aim to extend cooperation to other countries.

Mathieu Lips, leading the innovation programme, said: “Our goal is to work with Sanef to develop advances in safety and the right solutions to bring as soon as possible to customers the most comfortable travel in autonomous drive without interruption.”