February 2020
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Infrastructure
Attendees examined the infrastructure upgrades needed to create the environments that will allow the use of autonomous and connected vehicles.
Areas that were considered include:
- What more needs to be done to improve road infrastructure - including the technology to improve traffic management and allow real-time data collection;
- Tackling the engineering, integration, and investment challenges of delivering new infrastructure; and
- Priorities for developing 5G technology to enable and support connectivity and technological innovation across the transport system.
The discussion took place in the context of the expected Infrastructure Strategy and the Draft Road Investment Strategy 2, which together are due to set out the future steps for infrastructure and how the Government will implement new vehicle and infrastructure technologies.
Regulation
Delegates looked ahead to the future legal and insurance framework for autonomous vehicles, with discussion on the emerging issues for the insurance market and how to establish an effective legal framework for autonomous vehicles.
It took place with the Law Commission reviewing the legal framework for automated transport on behalf of the Centre for Connected & Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV) - including completely automated trips.
There was also discussion on further developments in real-time transport systems - including ensuring the appropriate use of data and addressing cyber security concerns.
It comes with:
- The announcement of a new safety regime for autonomous vehicles, CAV PASS; and
- The launch of a government funding competition to support the development of a connected and autonomous vehicle cyber-security testing facility.
Innovation
Further sessions provided the opportunity to look at how future innovation can be encouraged and support given to allow UK businesses to compete at a global level.
Discussion focused on the commercial opportunities that exist through the development of autonomous vehicles, including for insurance and through engaging with road users to better understand their needs - as well as from the integration of intelligent vehicles into the wider transport sector.
Delegates considered examples of best practice and discussed the business cases for smart transport, drawing on case studies on intelligent transport in cities, from manufacturers, and from across industry.
Further sessions looked at the role of the new connected catapult and the development of new technology, as well as the support mechanisms - in the context of:
- The launch of the Transport-Technology Research and Innovation Grant;
- Allocation of Future Mobility Zones phase 2 funding, which is due to be announced shortly; and
- Government having consulted on a Code of Practice for automated vehicle trialling.