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%>.

Related Content

  • July 2, 2018
    Over 150km of cycle paths to be implemented in Slovakia
    More than 150km of cycle paths will be implemented in Slovakia to provide commuters with a cleaner alternative to car journeys. The move follows a call from the agriculture and rural development ministry to increase capacity for non-motorised transport. The ministry has now approved 63 cycle projects worth approximately €30.7m, says NewsNow. Gabriela Matecna, agriculture and rural development minister, says €81.8m has now been allocated for non-motorised transport schemes. The ministry has received 87
    Read More
  • October 23, 2012
    TRL and TomTom announce partnership on Congestion Index
    TRL and TomTom have announced here at the ITS World Congress that they have launched a new partnership to offer more detailed analyses of the results published in TomTom’s quarterly Congestion Index which covers major metropolitan areas in Europe and North America. The partners say the collaboration will see the Congestion Index being put to practical use in solving local congestion issues. TRL traffic consultants are able to work with detailed TomTom data to produce customised analysis which meets the need
    Read More
  • March 15, 2016
    Association news around the globe
    ITS New Mexico’s 2015 award has gone to the state’s Bernalillo County for establishing implementation criteria for adaptive traffic control and the installation of the state’s first system on Alameda Boulevard in Albuquerque. This uses Rhythm Engineering’s InSync Technology.
    Read More
  • November 3, 2017
    New mobility services could benefit city dwellers and make public transport more affordable
    New mobility services integrated into mass transit systems could improve the lives of all urban inhabitants and make public transport more affordable, accessible and sustainable, according to research from the Coalition for Urban Transitions (CfUT). It also presents the first global survey of new mobility services, and identifies emerging trends and opportunities for decision-makers in both the public and private sectors.
    Read More

Highlighted Content