Road Transport Automation as a Societal Change Agent

Automation may have dramatic impact for road transport. This commissioned white paper considers the changes involved for individuals, companies, governments, and society at large. The paper gives an overview of the potential impacts of automation but also provides a critical examination of the additional costs that may be involved in the new technology. The rate of introduction of automation—and its breadth of application—will determine its overall impact on society, both positive and negative. Wide application of automation in transport could represent a significant force for societal change, perhaps on a level with personal communication devices.