Autonomous vehicles - part of comprehensive planning in Gothenburg

Purpose and goal

Since the issue of a future with autonomous vehicles has been raised and discussed within the framework of the comprehensive plan for central Gothenburg, the influence of autonomous vehicles on urban planning has received a more concrete and comprehensible framework and has been discussed in terms of urban life, living environments and urban spaces. The future scenario shows various examples of opportunities, positive effects and a form of impact assessment related to the overall goals of the city and the goals in the comprehensive plan for central Gothenburg.

Expected results and effects

Much remain unclear regarding autonomous vehicles. To be able to use autonomous vehicles and transportation system as a part of future mobility more data is needed. The study shows that the technology could be used to achieve higher goal fulfillment, but in many cases a conscious regulation and control is required for the technology to contribute in a positive way. It has also become clear that the consequences of autonomous driving need to be addressed, made possible or prevented, in all different levels of urban planning.

Planned approach and implementation

A consultant has been involved to work with scenarios, workshops, study of the impact on spatial planning, impact assessment. The project has been carried out with a strong connection to the comprehensive plan through consulting participation in the planning group, but also by the fact that the project manager for the comprehensive plan has had a great involvement in the consultant work. Through the workshops the issue of autonomous vehicles and urban planning has been discussed in a larger context and with different kind of stakeholders.