A professor’s view - Miles Tight

Miles Tight is Professor of transport, energy and environment at the University of Birmingham. His unique perspective allowed Urban Wave to look at the future of transport with new eyes. During a recent interview Professor Tight commented on the safety, environment, and economic impact of driverless cars on inner city areas.

Driverless cars will improve the safety of, and the attitudes of pedestrians and cyclists to roads. The Professor also believes that electric driverless cars will be beneficial to the environment of city centres. Renewably sourced electricity over fossil fuels will aid in the decreased emission of green-house gases and quieter cars in general will reduce noise pollution.

The rise of driverless cars is inevitable as people are always striving for the newest innovation. The future involves fully automated vehicles and reduced ownership. This is essential for inclusive transport. If cars are only rented for single trips then ease of movement will be available for everyone, regardless of their economic level. Fully automated cars will also provide easy transportation to visually impaired people, wheelchair bound people and those who have had their drivers licences revoked due to their age. These cars are not only the future of safety, but also inclusivity and increased mobility.

Claire Herlihy