A cross-party group of Parliamentarians and transport industry leaders today examined how the rollout of autonomous vehicles could affect women’s safety on Britain’s roads and transport networks.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Women in Transport last Thursday (12th March) brought together policymakers, safety experts and industry leaders in Parliament to discuss how women’s safety can be built into the design, regulation and deployment of autonomous vehicles across the UK.
The panel discussion explored several dimensions of safety, including how the removal of drivers may change perceptions of security, the importance of robust safety standards and transparency, and how autonomous vehicle design and regulation can ensure women’s safety is built into the technology from the outset.
Participants also discussed how emerging mobility services could improve access and confidence for women travelling alone, particularly during late-night journeys or in areas with limited transport options.
The insights from both the panel discussion and the Q&A will be synthesised into a set of recommendations to Ministers, intended to inform policy and decision-making ahead of the wider rollout of autonomous vehicles across the UK.
APPG for Women in Transport Chair Elsie Blundell, MP for Heywood and Middleton North, said:
“For many women, getting from A to B is not simply about convenience - it is about safety and security. Across millions of journeys every day, women make constant calculations about how and when they travel in order to mitigate a real sense of risk and uncertainty.
“New transport technologies present enormous opportunities, but they also bring new questions about accountability, regulation and public confidence.
“As policymakers we have a responsibility to ensure innovation does not move ahead of safety. Women’s experiences must be reflected in how these systems are governed and delivered. “Bringing together Parliamentarians, industry and experts in this way allows us to challenge assumptions early and ensure that the future of mobility works for everyone.”
Nathan Ashley, Public Policy Manager at Waymo, said:
“At Waymo, we believe that mobility is a fundamental pillar of personal safety and independence. For many women, the choice of how to get home - especially late at night - is often weighed against concerns for personal security.
“Autonomous technology removes the variable of human behaviour from the cabin, providing a consistent, transparent, and monitored environment. By offering a reliable, 24/7 transport option that prioritises rider privacy and safety, we are not just moving people; we are helping to create a world where women feel empowered to move freely and confidently at any hour.”
Jo Field OBE, Chair of Women in Transport and Secretariat to the APPG for Women in Transport, said:
“Women experience transport differently, and too often those realities are overlooked when new technologies are introduced.
“As autonomous vehicles move closer to everyday use, it is essential that women’s voices and experiences help shape how these services are designed, regulated and delivered.
“If we want people to trust the future of mobility, women must be part of building it.”
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