Event round-up
14 Nov 2024

Webinar Summary: "The Automated Driving Revolution – What Does It Mean for UK Local Government?"

Overview 

On 5th November 2024, techUK hosted a webinar titled "The Automated Driving Revolution – What Does It Mean for UK Local Government?" The session explored how autonomous vehicles (AVs) are transforming transportation in the UK, with a specific focus on the implications for local government. With the recent enactment of the Automated Vehicles Act, which establishes a regulatory framework for AVs, local authorities are positioned to play a pivotal role in enabling this transformation. 

This interactive session featured insights from leaders in AV technology and deployment, alongside UK and international case studies that highlighted the infrastructure, citizen engagement, and operational models required to support AV integration. The event underscored the opportunities AVs present to local governments in terms of mobility, safety, and sustainability. 

Speakers: 

  • Jamie Hodsdon – Global Head of Regulatory and Public Affairs, Oxa 

  • Ben Loewenstein – Senior Manager, European Policy & Government Affairs, Waymo 

  • Tim Knutzen – Team Lead, Grant & Project Management Autonomous and Digital Mobility, New Mobility Solutions Hamburg GmbH 

  • Chris Lane – Head of Transport Innovation, Transport for West Midlands 

  • Alison Young – Associate Director Local Public Services, techUK 

  • Filip Kolodziejski – Programme Manager, Automated Vehicles, techUK 

 

Key Topics Discussed 

  1. Current State of the Industry and Regulatory Landscape 

  • Oxa's Overview: Jamie Hodsdon began with an overview of Oxa’s contributions to the AV sector, discussing its development of autonomous software and the company’s recent deployments, including zero-occupancy AVs on public roads. He noted how the Automated Vehicles Act provides a comprehensive framework for AV regulation, setting the stage for scaled deployment of AV services such as robo-taxis and shuttles. Jamie emphasised the crucial role local authorities will play in facilitating these advancements through infrastructure support and public engagement. 

  1. Case Study – Hamburg’s Blueprint for Autonomous Public Mobility 

  1. Waymo’s Approach to Passenger-Centric AV Services 

  • Passenger Experience and Safety: Ben Loewenstein from Waymo shared insights into the company’s deployment in US cities such as San Francisco and Phoenix. He discussed the safety and sustainability metrics that Waymo has achieved, including an 85% reduction in injury-causing crashes. Ben also highlighted Waymo’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, integrating features that enhance the user experience across diverse passenger groups. This section underscored the importance of safety benchmarks and public engagement to build trust in AV technology. 

  1. Case Study – West Midlands’ Autonomous Transport Innovations 

  • Regional Leadership in AV Integration: Chris Lane of Transport for West Midlands presented a case study on the region’s progress with autonomous transport solutions. He discussed how the West Midlands is implementing AVs to complement its public transport network, reduce private car dependency, and improve accessibility. Chris’s presentation provided a blueprint for other UK regions looking to incorporate AVs and included key takeaways on the infrastructure investments and policy adjustments needed at the local level. 

  1. Opportunities and Responsibilities for Local Government 

  • Preparing for AV Deployment: The session highlighted that local authorities will need to assess infrastructure requirements, consider citizen engagement strategies, and work closely with industry partners to support AV rollouts. The Automated Vehicles Act enables local governments to take a proactive role in AV implementation, and the speakers discussed strategies for aligning local operations with the central regulatory framework. 

  • Collaborative Ecosystem: Speakers emphasised the importance of collaboration between local and central government, technology companies, and community stakeholders. This approach not only supports smooth AV integration but also ensures that local needs are met, from traffic management to public safety and environmental benefits. 

  1. Audience Q&A 

  • In the Q&A, participants posed questions about local government preparation, the role of industry in supporting AV deployment, and how central government can further assist local authorities. Speakers discussed the anticipated rollout process for AVs in the UK, noting that while approvals will be centralised, local authorities are encouraged to approach AVs as a public service, focusing on citizen benefits such as increased safety and accessibility. 

Conclusion and Next Steps 

This webinar served as a foundational event in a series aimed at facilitating dialogue between local government and the AV industry. The session highlighted how AVs are reshaping transportation, with the Automated Vehicles Act providing a solid regulatory base for future deployments. The panellists underscored the need for ongoing collaboration, positioning techUK and its members as key partners for local authorities in this evolving ecosystem. 

Looking ahead, techUK aims to continue fostering these discussions, helping local governments access industry expertise, learn from case studies, and prepare for the next stages of AV adoption in the UK. 

Smart Infrastructure and Systems Programme activities

techUK champion the role of technology in driving positive outcomes in our built infrastructure; from hitting net zero goals to improving safety. In doing so, we also optimise the commercial and regulatory landscape to ensure innovation in infrastructure can flourish. Visit the programme page here

 

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Meet the team 

Teodora Kaneva

Teodora Kaneva

Head of Smart Infrastructure and Systems, techUK

Filip Kolodziejski

Filip Kolodziejski

Autonomous Vehicles Programme Manager, techUK

Lucas Banach

Lucas Banach

Programme Assistant, Data Centres, Climate, Environment and Sustainability, Market Access, techUK

 

 

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