At the Conservative Party conference, shadow chancellor Andrew Griffith emphasized the potential of self-driving vehicles to support elderly residents in rural Britain. Speaking at a fringe event, Griffith highlighted that while autonomous driving technology has largely focused on urban settings, it could offer significant benefits for people living in countryside areas where public transport options are limited.
Griffith, who represents Arundel & South Downs, pointed out that rural communities often face dwindling bus services, making mobility a challenge, particularly for the ageing population. “Because we are a wonderfully ageing society, and many older people may no longer hold a driving licence, autonomous vehicles could provide a valuable solution,” he said. He suggested deploying self-driving cars to shuttle elderly residents around, improving their access to essential services and social activities.
Recent developments in autonomous vehicle deployment include Uber’s launch last month of the UK’s first supervised autonomous taxi rides in London, using a small initial fleet powered by Wayve, a British artificial intelligence company. Similarly, Waymo, owned by Alphabet, has begun testing and mapping London’s roads with about 100 autonomous vehicles accompanied by safety drivers, although these programs have yet to extend beyond the capital into rural areas.
Meanwhile, shadow transport secretary Richard Holden announced plans to address operational challenges in Britain’s railway system during his conference speech. Following a summer marked by strikes and disruption, Holden intends to establish a “modernisation and automation commission” to introduce proven technologies aimed at making the rail network safer, more reliable, and more cost-effective. He emphasized the need for staff training to ensure workers are equipped to maintain and operate new systems.
Rail unions have expressed concern over potential job losses, with tens of thousands of roles at risk by the end of the decade. They have resisted the introduction of several new technologies, citing worries about automation replacing manual tasks. For instance, some unions have opposed the use of track sensors that detect defects beyond human capability. Managers argue that such technology is essential to enhancing safety and maintenance.
Despite recent pay increases for rail workers and train drivers, which unions say have lessened the urgency for modernization, operational costs for the railways continue to rise. Holden also pledged initiatives to boost workforce numbers across key transport sectors, including a heavy goods vehicle driver recruitment program, expanded training for aviation engineers, and the restoration of maritime apprenticeships.
“These industries are those that get our country and industry moving. It is essential we have the workforce to match them,” Holden said. He criticized previous Labour policies for cutting lorry driver training, reducing funding for secure parking facilities, and attempting to discontinue maritime apprenticeship programs. He underscored that these roles are highly skilled and well-paid and should be supported and expanded to meet future demands.