They’re coming. That was the consensus from a sometimes spirited, but consistently fascinating presentation on driverless cars at the IPWEA International Public Works Conference.

The session started with a keynote presentation from engineer and urban planner Simon Ginn, who outlined the ways driverless cars could drastically alter the world we live in.  

“Whatever you think about technology, driverless cars and driverless trucks are coming, and they’re coming very fast. They are on the production line now," Ginn said. 
 
Although Ginn warned that he foresees some challenges, such as an increase in urban sprawl, job losses in some industries and teething problems with the technology, he believed the balance of impacts would be positive.

ARRB’s Peter Damen agreed that access to fully autonomous vehicles was imminent.  

"Mums and dads will have access to this technology well within the next 10 year horizon," he said. 

 He then followed with some key action items for local governments to prepare for driverless vehicles:

• Assess existing laws and standards
• Identify needs and then develop infrastructure plans that are smart, adaptable and resilient
• Assumptions, parameters and goals built into city and town planning must be updated
• Alter parking policies to reduce the supply of parking
• Educate, build awareness and engage in community outreach
• Establish active policies, such as a local government procurement policy
• Sponsor and support testing, deployments and trials
• Coordinate and connect with others 

RAC’s Anne Still said a WA survey had found that about 50% of those surveyed had “pretty positive” feelings toward driverless cars, with the safety benefits the most compelling argument for this. 

In terms of the community’s concerns, “Overwhelmingly, it’s about not be able to override control, cybersecurity and cost,” Still said.

“70% of people believe we will have fully driverless vehicles available in WA by 2025.

“The community is on board, and they really do believe that driverless vehicles are coming.”

A panel, composed of Ginn, Damen, Still and Steve Beyer from the WA Department of Transport then discussed key issues associated with driverless cars. 

One area of consideration for local councils will be the eventual loss of revenue from parking infringements and carparks.

The floor was then opened for the delegates to ask questions. One pressing issue was whether driverless cars all traveling in the same area of the road would result in the channelisation of pavements, and require harder-wearing pavements.

Damen argued that driverless cars will be smart enough not to follow the same lines, but admitted that platooning driverless trucks could create an issue.

The IPWEA International Public Works Conference is running August 20-23 in Perth. To check out photos from the conference, visit IPWEA's Instagram page.