Skip to main content

Polis: the role of cities and regions on road vehicle automation

Local and regional authorities and public transport providers need to play a more prominent role in the development of policy around autonomous vehicles (AVs), according to a new paper from Brussels-based Polis. Called Road Vehicle Automation and Cities and Regions, the study aims to raise awareness of AV developments and their potential mobility impact among city and regional administrations and to assist them in setting transport policies. In addition, Polis intends to increase awareness of transport
January 31, 2018 Read time: 2 mins

Local and regional authorities and public transport providers need to play a more prominent role in the development of policy around autonomous vehicles (AVs), according to a new paper from Brussels-based Polis. Called Road Vehicle Automation and Cities and Regions, the study aims to raise awareness of AV developments and their potential mobility impact among city and regional administrations and to assist them in setting transport policies.

In addition, Polis intends to increase awareness of transport policies among vehicle manufacturers and other key players, as well as communicate the views of local government on AV developments to a range of policy makers. The document is also striving to challenge the AV community to develop products and services that fit the communities they will be used in.

Polis has recognised that widespread introduction in urban areas could lead to increased congestion, negative environmental impacts and negative health impacts if walking and cycling are discouraged.

The paper recommends that City and regional authorities start considering what policies will ensure a positive outcome and highlights the need for a dialogue between the transport authorities, industry and service providers on AV deployment-related issues. It also suggests that more research is needed on the impact of AVs in urban environments and that the National government and 1690 European Commission (EC) should pay greater attention to sustainable mobility goals, in line with the EU Transport White Paper. Additionally, the EC and member states can also play a role in enabling these recommendations, through research programmes, regulation and as facilitators of multi-stakeholder cooperation.

More information on the definition of automation; the potential impacts of automation and the issues that city and regional authorities need to address and engage on, can be found within a full copy of the %$Linker: 2 External <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-16"?><dictionary /> 0 0 0 link-external paper Polis network discussion paper link false https://www.polisnetwork.eu/uploads/Modules/PublicDocuments/polis_discussion_paper_automated_vehicles.pdf false false%>.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • MaaS Market Conference debates transport’s digital dilemma
    January 10, 2019
    A major restructuring of transport services is underway in a growing number of cities worldwide as new consumer-lead business models threaten the future of traditional operators. That’s the message Paul Campion, CEO of UK innovation agency Transport Systems Catapult, will give to delegates at the opening of ITS International’s 2019 MaaS Market Conference (20-21 March, Inmarsat Conference Centre, London). Campion will argue that the digitisation of transport is driving a move from a supplier-centric system
  • MaaS Market Conference debates transport’s digital dilemma
    January 10, 2019
    A major restructuring of transport services is underway in a growing number of cities worldwide as new consumer-lead business models threaten the future of traditional operators. That’s the message Paul Campion, CEO of UK innovation agency Transport Systems Catapult, will give to delegates at the opening of ITS International’s 2019 MaaS Market Conference (20-21 March, Inmarsat Conference Centre, London). Campion will argue that the digitisation of transport is driving a move from a supplier-centric system
  • Racing drivers to attend October’s iMobility Challenge
    July 7, 2014
    The iMobility Challenge project is planning its biggest yearly event in Barcelona, Spain, on 9 October. The event will take place at the FCB stadium and will be of interest to transportation professional and decision-makers; high level workshop on intelligent vehicle technologies is to take place inside the stadium. For the general public and workshop delegates, vehicle technology demonstrations will take place in the stadium car park. VIPs will include FIA President Jean Todt, an EU Commissioner, an
  • Karhoo unveils ‘roaming’ service with Taksee
    March 21, 2019
    Ride-hailing platform Karhoo and Taksee – a Spanish provider of taxi services to the corporate market – have launched what they call a ‘roaming’ service. Taksee is currently available via phone and app in Spain, and just via app in a number of other European cities, including London, Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels and Rome. A Karhoo spokesperson told ITS International: “Taksee customers will be able to access taxis while they travel from country to country on the Taksee app. This will be facilitated by Ka