Investigating the Potential Transportation Impacts of Connected and Autonomous Vehicles

This paper examines the long-term effect that connected and autonomous vehicles might have on urban, road-based, transport capacity. Using micro-simulation techniques, the authors produce estimates for the increase/decrease in congestion which might occur when fully autonomous vehicles are introduced to the roads. Despite the fact that these vehicles are likely to generate more road movements in future because of “empty-leg” journeys, the results suggest that overall congestion levels are more likely to be eased than aggravated by their ubiquitous presence.