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

  • PTV launches first Shaping Transportation event
    April 29, 2013
    On 18 and 19 June 2013, world transportation experts will meet at Shaping Transportation in London, when German software and traffic consultants PTV Group extend the format of their traditional PTV Vision user group meeting. During the two days, speakers such as Dr Hans Jeekel, Rijkswaterstaat, Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment, the Netherlands, Sanjiv N Sahai, CEO of Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit Systems (DIMTS) and Allan Gooch who was responsible for transport planning during the 2012
  • Smart cities: engineering the future
    October 14, 2013
    The UK’s Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) smart cities meeting on 16 October will debate the technologies, skills and innovation needed to deliver the smart cities of the future. Prof Dr Uwe Krueger, CEO of Atkins, will discuss how coping with mass urbanisation will require a new kind of design, engineering and delivery – one which delivers adaptable and smart solutions, prioritises materials and energy efficiency and yet still meets the highest standards of quality and safety. It will me
  • TISPOL welcomes EC measures to reduce road deaths
    May 23, 2018
    TISPOL has welcomed a package of measures announced by the European Commission (EC) to help reduce the 25,000 deaths that occur on EU roads annually. Ruth Purdie, general secretary of TISPOL, says: “Today’s announcements could represent the biggest step forward in road safety in Europe since the introduction of the seat belt." Antonio Avenoso of the European Transport Safety Council said the EC’s announcements require backing from EU member states and the European Parliament. They should not give in to
  • US DOT announces ITS video challenge
    May 21, 2012
    The US Department of Transportation's Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) has announced the ITS Video Challenge, a new national competition showcasing innovative ways that local communities use smart transportation technology to improve safety, mobility and the environment.