Federal Highway Administration National Dialogue on Highway Automation: June 26-27, 2018 Policy and Planning Workshop Summary
Key Takeaways
Safety Is the Greatest Priority
Safety was identified as a top priority for most participants when referring to policy and planning issues for automated vehicles. They identified the importance of providing for the safety of all roadway users in the context of automation (e.g., safety of AVs, non-AVs, pedestrians, bicyclists, etc.). Developing clear safety standards for AV testing and operation on public roads was one approach participants discussed to address safety. Yet, they acknowledged that creating clear and consistent regulations could be a challenge for policymakers, as they will have to account for varying AV adoption rates and roadway designs. Participants suggested that FHWA work closely with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to coordinate changes in vehicle and infrastructure requirements to address safety and to establish safety requirements for AVs.
Funding Availability Could Impact AV Adoption
Infrastructure investment is a key aspect of supporting AV adoption. State and local agencies face competing priorities for infrastructure investments and may need to consider the importance of funding availability and resources to support infrastructure improvements that could accelerate AV adoption and deployment. Some participants were unclear about the eligibilities for infrastructure upgrades or modifications specifically for AV operations within Federal funding programs (e.g., Federal-aid). They sought clarification of funding programs that are eligible sources for AV-related activities. Coordination with State and local agencies may be needed to clarify how local Transportation Improvement Programs (TIPs) and Statewide Transportation Improvement Programs (STIPs) can be used to support AVs.
Defining Roles and Goals at All Levels of Government Is Key
Inconsistencies in the current patchwork of State laws can introduce challenges to overall policy development for AVs. Participants discussed the need for a clear Federal vision to help guide policy nationally and at State and local levels. They suggested the USDOT as a natural leader to guide national policy development for automation. Development of a national roadmap describing goals, objectives, and milestones for different phases or stages of AV technology integration could help clarify plans for stakeholders. Several participants also suggested the USDOT clearly define areas of responsibility for each of its modal administrations around automation. The different roles of each modal agency on automation are not always clear to the broader transportation community and the public. In addition, it may be necessary to clarify authorities among Federal, State, and local governments as they work to implement varying AV policies.
Policymakers, Public Agencies, and the Public Seek Better Information on AVs
Policymakers, public agencies, and the public have varying levels of understanding regarding AVs. In addition, there is notable misinformation around the current capabilities of an AV and what it can do. There is also some confusion around the timelines by which AVs will be widely available on the roadways. As a result, workshop participants discussed the need for more objective and clear information regarding AV technology and its potential implications for the roadway infrastructure. They expressed the need for infrastructure owners and operators, in particular, to develop an understanding of the implications of AVs on infrastructure planning needs and the overall transportation system. Elected officials were also identified as benefiting from education and knowledge about AVs to support the development of sound AV legislation. Many felt that greater transparency, clear communication, and consistent or standard terminology would ultimately support public acceptance of the AV technology.
Transportation Planning Processes May Evolve to Address AVs
The transportation planning process may need to evolve to address automation and the uncertain impacts it could have on congestion, land use, mobility, and the surface transportation system. Greater ride-sharing, reduced parking requirements, increased sprawl, curb-space use, and changes in municipal revenues were all identified as potential impacts from AVs. Participants discussed how the transportation planning process should remain flexible and iterative to address these potential changes and its uncertainties. Data collection and information would be useful to support transportation planning as well as policy development for AVs. To support this, however, participants acknowledged that certain questions around what data is needed and how it should be managed, shared, or used will also need to be addressed.
