This chapter is intended for the reader who wants to understand what vehicle automation is, its main research questions, and what are its main implications. We also provide guidance on the methods that have been used or could be used to assess its impacts, hence allowing future research on this topic.

Key findings

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The main conclusion is that in most traffic conditions there is a non-negligible positive impact on traffic capacity. However, there is some uncertainty in the case of mixed fleets, indicating that the transition for vehicle automation may face an initial period where benefits will not be observable.

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Accessibility changes associated with automated vehicles could cause a new ex-urbanization wave, influence new urban centralities and lead to further densification of primary city centers.

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The introduction of automated vehicles is expected to influence urban form both at the macro (regional) and the micro (neighborhood) scale.

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