Policy embraces connected and automated vehicles as a tool to solve transport problems. But are people on board?

Mobility is one of the main pillars of modern society. The possibility, for people and goods, to quickly reach almost
any place in the world has fuelled globalisation and unprecedented economic growth in the 20th century. Yet
transport has had wider effects beyond providing seamless and effective mobility: the advent of the car has
given birth to automotive cities, transformed public space and has become symbolic of social status. At the same time, the sector generates significant negative externalities for our society. Road accidents, pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions and productivity losses due to delays and congestion are just the most well-known among them. Attempts to address negative transport impacts usually advocate innovative technological solutions. As one such solution, automated vehicles are in the spotlight for policymakers as a means to make road transport more efficient and to tackle transport safety and emission issues.