Driving Towards the Future: The Impact of Connected And Autonomous Vehicles on Transport Planning

Abstract

This paper focuses on the potential impact of emerging vehicle technologies, particularly connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs), on various aspects of transport planning, including active travel, road infrastructure, parking and public transport. CAVs are the future of transportation, and they are designed to make roads safer, reduce traffic congestion and improve mobility service. The paper examines the implementation of Level 4 and 5 autonomous vehicles in public transport across the UK, summarising the initial findings, benefits and challenges during the early stages of deployment. A holistic approach is taken to evaluate CAVs' future impact on highway design, parking management, transport modelling, changes in travel behaviour and safety. The analysis highlights how CAVs affect highway design, parking management, and transport modelling, illustrating the significance of these factors in the overall planning process. Considering available data, this paper highlights critical issues that need to be addressed to maximise the benefits of this innovative technology, such as developing transport models that predict traffic patterns and travel behaviour in a real traffic environment. In addition, it is essential to examine the role of CAVs in reshaping road infrastructure, such as lane allocation, traffic signs, communication markers, signal timings, and parking facilities, optimising street space utilisation while maintaining accessibility for all users. Ultimately, the paper seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of how CAVs could transform various aspects of transport planning, offering insights that could help decision making processes and promoting sustainable growth.