Automated Passenger Services (APS) Permitting Scheme Consultation

Automated Passenger Services (APS) Permitting Scheme Consultation

MCIA has submitted its response to the Department for Transport and CCAV’s consultation on the Automated Passenger Services (APS) permitting scheme.

Our message is clear: All new transport innovations such as APS must from inception be fail safe and consider all other road users and vehicle types.

In our submission, we recommend:

-     Mandatory mixed-traffic testing that includes Mopeds, Motorcycles and other L-Category vehicles in varied weather, lighting, and road conditions.
-    Transparent incident and near-miss reporting, with independent audits and public accountability.
-    Shorter permit periods and mandatory revalidation, reflecting the rapid pace of  AV technology change.
-    Meaningful engagement with rider groups, ensuring the voices of vulnerable road users shape deployment.

Tony Campbell, CEO of the MCIA said:  ““Automated passenger services may transform some elements of public transport, but these innovations must not come at the risk to other road user groups including Mopeds and Motorcycles. These themselves provide an excellent low emitting, efficient mode of transport which have characteristics of use that must be scoped into the design and tech APS vehicles will use. Our submission makes clear that APS permits must include robust testing, transparent reporting (not self-reported by the operators as we see with the Electric Scooter Trails). APS has the ability to improve road safety but only if done correctly”

To read the full MCIA response, please see below PDF file for downloading.

For any queries regarding this response, please contact Alfie Brierley, Director of Policy and Public Affairs.