Automated Passenger Service Permits: Local Authority and Transport Body Roles

The Department for Transport and Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles published guidance on automated passenger service permits, outlining the roles of local authorities and transport bodies in considering deployments. The guidance clarifies that organisations deploying automated passenger services must obtain consent from the appropriate local taxi and private hire vehicle licensing authority or bus franchising body where the scheme will operate, and must consult traffic authorities on proposed deployments.

Affected parties including local authorities, transport bodies, and organisations seeking to deploy automated passenger services should review this guidance to understand the consent and consultation requirements. Local authorities and transport bodies should use this guidance to understand their role in the process when considering deployment applications.