Modernisation of emergency services vehicles in the Ústí nad Labem Region: C-ITS and V2X technology

Modernisation of emergency services vehicles in the Ústí Region: C-ITS and V2X technology

The year 2025 marked a major technological leap for the Ústí Region. Thanks to a project implemented by Herman, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of OBU/UCU units, a fleet of 47 Integrated Rescue System (IZS) vehicles was equipped with modern systems supporting C-ITS and V2X communication.

This upgrade enables ambulances, fire service vehicles and police cars to communicate in real time with the transport infrastructure. The result? Faster response times, a lower risk of collisions and smoother traffic flow across the entire region.

What is C-ITS and how does it relate to V2X technology

C-ITS (Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems) represents a new approach to traffic management, in which vehicles, infrastructure and drivers share important data in real time.
 A key component of C-ITS is V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) technology, which enables communication between vehicles and their surroundings.

How C-ITS speeds up emergency services response times

Thanks to the implementation of C-ITS, traffic lights automatically switch to green for approaching emergency services vehicles, significantly reducing their journey time. Drivers of other vehicles are informed of an approaching ambulance or fire engine before they see it, which improves safety at junctions. Furthermore, data from vehicles is transmitted directly to the transport infrastructure and the control centre, which improves coordination between services.

The practical benefits are also confirmed by the technical department of the Ústí nad Labem Region Emergency Medical Service: “Cooperation with Herman and the introduction of C-ITS/V2X technologies with OBU units installed in ZZSÚK vehicles contributes to these vehicles passing through junctions more quickly and safely,” Ing. Martin Repko, Head of Transport and Communications

Vehicles equipped with C-ITS and V2X technologies

The project has resulted in one of the most modern emergency services fleets in the Czech Republic:

• Emergency Medical Service (ZZS) – 35 vehicles (VW Crafter, Škoda Kodiaq, VW Transporter)
• Fire and Rescue Service (HZS) – 7 vehicles (Scania CAS, Tatra Force, Iveco, Ford Transit)
• Czech Police – 5 vehicles (Volkswagen Transporter, Škoda Kodiaq)

A total of 37 vehicles equipped with OBU/UCU units, which Herman develops and supplies itself as the largest manufacturer in the Czech Republic.

Result

A faster, safer and digitally connected Integrated Rescue System, ready for the future.