Independent assessments in trials with automated vehicles

The Swedish Transport Agency’s regulations and general guidelines on permits to conduct trials with automated vehicles have recently been amended. The amendment consists of the addition of a general guideline suggesting that, in certain cases, companies’ own risk assessments should be supplemented by an opinion from an independent reviewer regarding the traffic safety of the trial. However, there is no guidance on when such an opinion is necessary or what it should include.

The goal is to generate solutions by clarifying and providing examples of the application and scope of independent reviews in trial operations. The project will bring together relevant stakeholders from the automotive industry, potential reviewers, and relevant authorities to discuss the application of independent reviews. The aim is to incorporate different perspectives and find possible ways forward through policy dialogue, in order to drive the development of automated transport solutions as part of future mobility.

Background

In 2017, the regulation on trial operations with automated vehicles was introduced in Sweden. This regulation allows for trial operations with automated vehicles and clarifies the circumstances under which it is reasonable to conduct such trials. This project builds on the experience that the parties have gained through applying for and conducting trials with automated vehicles on public roads. We also build upon the knowledge and working methods developed in the PLATT project (Policy Lab for Autonomous Transport Services). The PLATT project aimed to harmonise the permit process for trials with automated vehicles, identifying a third-party review as a possible strategy to address identified challenges. In addition to this, we will incorporate knowledge from other transport sectors and countries with substantial experience in independent review processes in trial operations.

Implementation and Expected Outcomes

The work will primarily be conducted through workshops and in-depth discussions with relevant stakeholders. The workshop format will allow the various actors to meet in a neutral setting to exchange experiences and perspectives. In a co-creation process based on Design Thinking principles, we will address specific questions regarding how an independent review could be implemented in practice, and solutions will be jointly developed by the participating stakeholders. The project will closely collaborate with Drive Sweden’s policy development theme area to discuss how the lessons learned can be generalised and disseminated.

The outcome could serve as guidance for market actors, authorities, and reviewers, and as a basis for an opinion by focusing on:

• The requirements and acceptance criteria for an independent review (when exactly an opinion is needed and what the opinion should encompass).
• The Swedish Transport Agency’s and the transport industry’s processes for risk assessment.
• Lessons learned and guidelines on independent review (internationally, from sources such as the Informal Working Group on Validation Methods for Automated Driving (VMAD) and other industries).
• The main requirements and expectations for assessing traffic safety (the key factors in safety assessments for automated vehicles).
• The necessary expertise and independence of reviewers.
• The significance of independent review for market introduction.

Access the project's final reports