CoEXist aims at systematically strengthening the capability of road authorities and other stakeholders to make structured and informed decisions about the deployment of Cooperative Connected and Automated Mobility (CCAM). The project is conducting a consultation process, including an online survey. So far, 64 participants from 21 different countries, and from diverse backgrounds, including public authorities, academic and research organisations, and the private sector, have shared their views on CCAM, their priorities and expectations.
CCAM: short term deployment or long-term introduction?
Interestingly, results have shown stark contrast in the perspectives of different types of stakeholders. For instance, while 50% of academics and researchers think fully automated vehicles will be available only in 2040 or later, the private and public sectors expect full automation much sooner: 84% of private sector respondents believe it will be available by 2040 or earlier, while 80% of public authorities think they will be on their cities’ streets by 2030.
Contrasted impacts
The collected responses show the generalised uncertainty and complexity of the topic. On the potential impacts of CCAM, although only 13% of respondents believe it will not improve urban mobility, 40% of them expect congestion to increase. Similarly, while the vast majority (81%) expect total vehicle kilometres travelled to increase, only 10% affirm air pollution will rise.
Local authorities: more involved and better prepared?
Although respondents believe that local authorities have a strong role to play in the introduction and regulation of automated vehicles (53% of respondents believe CCAM should be regulated at the municipal level), the answers also reflects the strong need for guidance and support to cities and mobility stakeholders to get prepared to address CCAM. Only 21% of respondents believe that their cities are very well (or extremely well) prepared to the introduction of CAVs.
Introduction of CAVs: the first steps
To prepare the introduction of the automated vehicles, the respondents believe that the most relevant actions to take are the development of regulations for CAVs (96%) and the definition of responsibilities regarding data management (85%). Surprisingly, the adaptation of local mobility plans (56%), the involvement of citizens (56%) and capacity building (40%) are the measures considered the least relevant to prepare for the introduction of CAVs on our roads.
The CoEXist Automation-Ready survey remains opened online. To participate, please, click here.