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Developing policies in a larger context

Tuesday, September 22, 2020

It is crucial to develop policies and regulations in order for new technology and services to reach the market and to be successful. Within future mobility there are countless of innovations pushing the boundaries with the prospect of having a global impact. So how do legislation and regulation work when borders are to be crossed? This was discussed by three experts during the Drive Sweden Forum.

Will the world harmonize on regulation for future mobility? That was the topic of the panel discussion that gave insights to policy-related developments in the UK, Austria and Sweden. Among the different developments that were raised during the discussion, it became clear that there are obstacles to overcome when it comes to different regulations on local, national and international levels and that legislation often relates to a driver and can be in need of different updates.

But the processes driving the legislative developments are more than just technical.

“It’s not just about automated vehicles but also about passenger services provided by AVs. How can we integrate them with the rest of the system and how do the relate to the heavily regulated taxi system? And accessibility, how can everyone benefit from the new solutions? The societal dimension is important and both societies and transportation should be built for people.” Says Jessica Ugiccioni, Lead Lawyer, Automated Vehicles Review, Law Commission of England and Wales.

Also Martin Russ, Managing Director at Austria Tech, underlines the importance of a people-centric view on creating future mobility solutions.

“Automation should always support the service perspectives of mobility. So we try to explain to citizens and users where automation should or could help and this explanation creates trust. And for the future we see it as key that this is a public responsibility; how we deal with our infrastructure, public space, our environment and the equity of mobility solutions.”

Cross-sectoral approach uneviatable

While adjusting regulations to help drive sustainable, inclusive and new mobility solutions the legal framework expands over several sectors. A cross-sectoral approach is necessary, bringing new hurdles to overcome, in a system created for a pre-existing system.

“A big problem we have all over the world is that we have an existing transport system in which we are trying to fill in the gaps.” says Carin Tidström, Deputy Director at the Swedish Ministry of Infrastructure and continues:

“We have to have a holistic approach where digitalization, energy, environmental, justice and infrastructure departments cooperate to overcome obstacles and to describe the problem.” she says and stresses that also the ethical aspects are to be added to the challenge of creating a comprehensive take on the regulatory issues.

The task of driving the policy development is complex. But the panelists shed light on ways moving forward within their nations and internationally. See the full panel discussion during Drive Sweden Forum here to hear their insights.

See the entire Drive Sweden Forum here

Read about the Drive Sweden Policy Lab here