About the project

The SUV project (Stimulating the Uptake of Autonomous Vehicles by Local Authorities) provides cities and regions with the right tools and practices to prepare their urban developments for the introduction of autonomous vehicles. It aims to connect and enhance sustainable mobility and city/regional planning to understand the actions needed to maximise the benefits autonomous vehicles can offer society.

BACKGROUND
Autonomous Vehicles (AV) promise widely available, low-cost, clean, door-to-door transport for people and goods. Widespread use on Europe’s roads is anticipated by the 2030s. AV is expected to change the way we live, and how cities are designed. The impact will be significant; from street layout to traffic patterns, public transport needs, and location choices for people and businesses. While many cities are beginning to experiment with AV, the process of spatial integration has yet to start. This is urgent as cities plan decades ahead; district (re)development plans have a 50-year timeline, and transport infrastructure 100 years.

APPROACH
SUV is tackling this challenge by connecting 4 cities/regions/transport bodies with 5 complementary knowledge groups and 3 network organisations. The project brings together 5 academic partners with the specific expertise needed, and in order to apply and validate future knowledge, SUV also includes 4 local authorities (HITRANS, Almene, Varberg and the Hanover region).

AIM
SUV aims to provide urban planners with the knowledge and tools to understand the spatial impact of AV, and embrace AV opportunities. It will test and use AV in city areas, providing scenarios and tools for short- to long-term urban planning. The project will deliver:
– At least 4 advanced urban/rural AV pilots;
– A publicly available series of expert analysis on the socio-economic impact of AV.
– Developed green transport and spatial planning strategies for participating local- and transport authorities.
– An open and scalable innovation community connecting cities/regions and knowledge providers.

IMPACT
Shared electric autonomous vehicles are expected to provide a safer, greener, more accessible and affordable transportation network. But AV is expected to have an even great impact, on the economy, the mobility system and the urban/regional planning. That’s why SUV takes a holistic approach to understanding how such technology will impact our society and provides guidelines for cities and regions to more clearly envision an automated future.