Professor Joseph Giacomin (Brunel Design School) was an external reviewer of the POSTnote Research Brief entitled "Automated Vehicles." Additionally, two of Professor Giacomin's books were cited in the Brief.
As the document states: "Automated vehicles (AVs), also known as autonomous, driverless, or self-driving vehicles, are road vehicles, including cars, vans, and lorries, that perform part of or all driving tasks for a sustained period during a trip."
The research briefing highlights the following topics:
- AVs are being trialed in the UK across various sectors, but there is uncertainty about their commercial availability.
- Fully autonomous vehicles operate in specific areas in the US and China, while the UK has advanced driver assistance systems requiring human control.
- The Automated Vehicles Act 2024, which received Royal Assent in May 2024, grants the government power to regulate AVs.
- Proponents believe AVs could improve road safety and contribute £66 billion annually to the UK economy by 2040.
- Concerns include data management, cybersecurity, liability in accidents, congestion, environmental impacts, and job effects.
- Experts suggest the need for secondary legislation, strategic partnerships, and investments for successful AV deployment in the UK.
Read the brief:
Read cited books: