WISE-ACT | Wider impacts and scenario evaluation of autonomous and connected transport

Autonomous vehicle (AV) trials are currently taking place worldwide and Europe has a key role in the development of relevant technology. Yet, very limited research exists regarding the wider implications of the deployment of such vehicles on existing road infrastructure, since it is unclear if and when the transition period will start and conclude.

It is anticipated that improved accessibility and road safety will constitute the primary benefits of the widespread use of AVs, whilst co‐benefits may also include reduced energy consumption, improved air quality or better use of urban space. Therefore, the focus of this COST Action is on observed and anticipated future mobility trends and implications on travel behavior. Other important issues to be explored under different deployment scenarios are social, ethical, institutional and business impacts.

To achieve this, it is essential to culminate co‐operation between a wide range of stakeholders at a local, national and international level, including academics and practitioners. Consequently, this COST Action will facilitate collaboration within Europe and beyond about this emerging topic of global interest.

Floridea di Ciommo, currently co-director of cambiaMO, is the Leader of Working Group 1 – Institutional and Regulatory challenges. This WG aims at conducting an extensive review and evaluation of the existing institutional, regulatory and legal frameworks driving the deployment of Autonomous and Connected Transport (ACT) services. Since it has been identified that a new legal framework is required for fully autonomous vehicles, the objective of WG1 is to identify major barriers as well as to identify efficient policy recommendations to accelerate the deployment of ACT services minimizing any risks.