Autonomous vehicles were one of the featured topics at the CIHT Emerging Professionals Conference 2026, where delegates heard from industry experts about the opportunities and challenges associated with deploying self-driving technology on UK roads. The discussion took place at a time of growing public interest in automated mobility, with robotaxi services attracting national media attention and new trials beginning in London.

The conference, held in London on 8 September, brought together early-career professionals from across the highways, transportation and infrastructure sector to explore the trends, technologies and policy issues that will shape the future of the profession. As part of the programme, delegates attended a dedicated session on autonomous vehicles led by Sam Pooke, Head of Public Affairs at Freenow by Lyft.

In his presentation, Sam explored the role that autonomous vehicles could play in the future transport system, examining both the opportunities and challenges associated with deployment. He highlighted the importance of integrating autonomous vehicles within a hybrid transport network and discussed the need for collaboration with local authorities and alignment with the wider transport hierarchy if automated mobility is to be successfully implemented in the UK.

The session was followed by a panel discussion hosted by Justin Ward, Head of Policy and Technical Practice at CIHT, featuring Sam Pooke, CIHT President Kate Carpenter and CIHT Fellow, Dr Nick Reed of Reed Mobility. Together, they explored how autonomous vehicles could influence road safety, accessibility and mobility, while considering both the potential benefits of self-driving technology and the practical challenges associated with deployment.

The discussion was particularly timely. During the same week, automated vehicles were the subject of national media coverage as attention focused on the introduction of robotaxi services and the question of whether driverless vehicles are ready for UK roads. A segment on ITV's Good Morning Britain examined the issue against the backdrop of robotaxi deployment in London.

Providing expert commentary during the wider public debate was Nick Reed, whose participation in both the conference discussion and national media coverage reflects the important role CIHT members continue to play in shaping conversations around transport innovation and emerging technologies.

The conference session also coincided with developments in the commercial deployment of autonomous vehicle technology. Delegates heard from Freenow at a time when the company and Apollo Go had announced the start of road testing activities in London, marking another step in the development of automated mobility services within the capital. The announcement highlights the pace at which autonomous vehicle technology is moving from research and testing towards real-world application. 

For CIHT, the discussion sits within a broader programme of work examining the future role of automated vehicles in the transport system. The Institution's emerging policy position recognises that autonomous vehicles have the potential to improve mobility, accessibility and road safety, but also emphasises that deployment must be safe, equitable and integrated with wider transport objectives. CIHT has highlighted the importance of ensuring that automated vehicles operate within Safe System and Vision Zero principles, prioritise vulnerable road users and are supported by transparent safety reporting and public confidence.

CIHT's policy work also points to the need for infrastructure readiness, operational consistency, accessibility, cybersecurity and clear standards for automated vehicle operation. The Institution has stressed that technological innovation should support wider goals around sustainable transport, social inclusion and public health, rather than being pursued in isolation.

As autonomous vehicle technology continues to evolve and public debate intensifies, the Emerging Professionals Conference provided an opportunity for the next generation of transport professionals to hear directly from experts at the forefront of the discussion. By examining both the opportunities and the challenges, the session reinforced the importance of ensuring that innovation is accompanied by careful consideration of safety, accessibility and the needs of all road users.

Editor's note: The autonomous vehicles session at the CIHT Emerging Professionals Conference featured a presentation from Sam Pooke, Head of Public Affairs at Freenow, followed by a panel discussion hosted by Justin Ward with Sam Pooke, CIHT President Kate Carpenter and Nick Reed of Reed Mobility.