In a significant stride towards integrating self-driving technology into the fabric of UK society, WMG at The University of Warwick has taken the lead in launching the nation’s inaugural public education and engagement initiative, the Partners for Automated Vehicle Education United Kingdom (PAVE UK). This landmark initiative was introduced at the esteemed Royal Automobile Club in London, marking a collaborative effort with the Department for Business and Trade, the Department for Transport (DfT), the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV), and Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) as foundational partners.
PAVE UK’s mission is to fortify public trust in automated vehicle (AV) technology, aligning with the UK Government’s vision for the safe integration of self-driving vehicles on public roads. This endeavour seeks to demystify AV technology for the general public through a comprehensive education and engagement strategy.
Professor Siddartha Khastgir of WMG, University of Warwick, and head of verification and validation, emphasised the initiative’s human-centric approach. “Our objective at WMG is to ensure the utmost safety of self-driving technology for road operation. It is imperative that the public is actively involved in the safety discourse and is an integral part of the development and deployment process of AVs in the UK,” he stated. Professor Khastgir further elaborated on PAVE UK’s role in conveying complex technical information into clear and accessible messages, thereby fostering an inclusive environment for public education on AV safety.
PAVE UK distinguishes itself as the first non-governmental organisation in the UK dedicated to promoting and facilitating public education and engagement concerning automated vehicles. This initiative will orchestrate a series of programmes, including the development of research-based educational materials, school and community outreach, an extensive online video library, webinars, and a dedicated educational app, all spearheaded by WMG at The University of Warwick.
Technology and Decarbonisation Minister, Anthony Browne, who graced the launch event, highlighted the transformative potential of self-driving vehicles for the UK’s transport sector. “PAVE UK is instrumental in nurturing public awareness and confidence in self-driving technology across the nation. Concurrently, we are committed to ensuring the safety of these vehicles on our roads through the Automated Vehicles Bill, which sets a stringent safety benchmark while fostering an environment conducive for businesses to innovate and thrive,” Browne remarked.
The introduction of PAVE UK marks a pivotal moment in the UK’s journey towards embracing automated vehicle technology. By engaging the public in a meaningful dialogue about the benefits and limitations of this emerging transport modality, PAVE UK is setting the stage for a future where self-driving vehicles are an integral and trusted component of the UK’s transportation ecosystem.
