Shoppers given the chance to experience autonomous vehicles at The Mall, Cribbs Causeway

LONDON (Jan,21, 2020) – AECOM, the world’s premier infrastructure firm, is leading a consortium that will test and demonstrate connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) as well as assess public attitudes towards their use. The CAPRI consortium’s driverless pods enable shoppers to experience connected and autonomous vehicles and understand how they might operate in the future. The trial finishes on 26th January 2020.

Providing a shuttle service, the British made pods will operate autonomously – navigating crowded outside areas with pedestrians, push-chairs, mobility scooters, bikes and animals.

UK public CAV trials to date have had a dedicated engineer inside the vehicle overseeing a safe journey. The Capri trial will be the first in the UK without this level of supervision, inviting members of the public to turn up and travel alone in the autonomous pod.

The research project will broaden the UK’s knowledge of the impact of connected and autonomous vehicles and help inform the future direction of their development and implementation. Through its role as project lead for the Capri consortium, AECOM is developing a deep understanding of these impacts and therefore puts AECOM in a unique position to advise its clients on preparing for the future of mobility.

The research used in this trial will also help reduce potential barriers limiting the uptake of commercially ready autonomous vehicle services. This includes overcoming technical challenges, raising public awareness and ensuring sustainable integration into the wider transport system. The pilot will support the local and UK economy by helping regional and national businesses become more competitive in a growing international market.

George Lunt, Technical Director at AECOM, said: “With a number of environmental, efficiency and mobility benefits associated with connected and autonomous vehicles, there is great potential for the UK to enter a diverse range of international markets. However, for this idea to fully develop, it is vital the public are on board and have the chance to experience a mobility service that can potentially transform the way they travel.

“Together with our partners, we must explore and bring together the technical, social and operational aspects to ensure the research and development gathered will not only allow us to be at the forefront of CAV development but also create a legacy for future generations.”

Leader of South Gloucestershire Council Cllr Toby Savage, said: “Capri brings together a number of high-tech businesses and organisations which are providing excellent opportunities for the development and growth of CAV services in the region. The trial which is taking place at The Mall, Cribbs Causeway is an important step towards transforming the way people travel and perceive automated transport.

“We’re excited for South Gloucestershire to be at the forefront of innovation and CAV research and development in the UK, and as a place where industry and research institutes are already choosing to innovate, we are open to providing the infrastructure, platforms and resource we have available to help support innovation.”