After 3 years of testing, the Swedish auto company Volvo says its road train project is road worthy.

Nothing from the company yet on when it will be implemented on a commercial scale but basically, drivers of cars would join a road convoy, and that convoy would be headed up by a professional driver.  

Each car would be specially equipped with an onboard computer of advanced cruise-control so the vehicles could tailgate each other. The convoy would act as one so motorists wouldn't have to do a thing but sit there. Each car's onboard computer measures the distance, speed and direction and adjusts to the car in front.

They'd have the option to drive, if they wished and would have the ability to break-off from the convoy at their exit.

Volvo declares itself as the main force behind the SARTRE project (Safe Road-Trains for the Environment), which is funded by the European Union. This new system is being referred to as "platooning" but don't know when they will have it on european roads. They need to get legislation for it, as well as insurance companies on board.

The platooning technique claims it is safer, decreases pollution, eases traffic congestion, and is better on mileage and travel time.

(Partial files by D. Agar)