Government starts work on 'Future of Mobility Grand Challenge'; opens consultations on future mobility and 'last mile' deliveries
Mon 30 July 2018
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The Government has opened two calls for evidence - on the future of mobility and on 'last mile' deliveries - as it begins work how to deliver the greatest benefits from the technological changes which are likely to transform transport in the future.
The Government says that travel around the UK could dramatically alter with the introduction of flying vehicles or widespread use of self-driving cars as data helps to delivers better journeys. Meanwhile, electric cargo bikes, quadricycles and micro vehicles could replace vans in UK cities as part of plans to transform last-mile deliveries
To support the Grand Challenge, the Government has announced calls for evidence in Last Mile and Future of mobility documents, published today.
The Government says that the documents fire the starting gun on the Future of Mobility Grand Challenge, which aims to make the UK the world leaders in the movement of goods, services and people.
Transport Minister Jesse Norman said: "We are on the cusp of an exciting and profound change in how people, goods and services move around the country which is set to be driven by extraordinary innovation.
This could bring significant benefits to people right across the country and presents enormous economic opportunities for the UK, with autonomous vehicles sales set to be worth up to £52 billion by 2035."
The Government expects these trends to lead to safer travel, more accessible transport, cleaner journeys and make cities better to move around and live in.
Initial work as part of the Future of Mobility Grand Challenge will involve the Government aiming to ensure all the regulatory barriers to technological and service innovation have been explored.
The Government says that today's calls for evidence precede a full Future of Urban Mobility Strategy, which is due to be published by the end of the year.
Ian Robertson, BMW UK Chief Executive, has been appointed as Business Champion to help advise, shape and develop the Future of Mobility Grand Challenge. He will be supported by an Advisory Council made up of Isobel Dedring, Tracy Westall and Stan Boland.
Ian Robertson said: "A transport revolution in the way people and goods move around will see more changes in the next 10 years than the previous hundred. As the Future of Mobility Grand Challenge Business Champion, I’m looking forward to working with the government to help the UK build on its existing strengths and capitalise on that opportunity."
The calls for evidence close on 10 September.
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