The testing of driverless cars on London streets is a continuation of pioneering work begun back in the 1950s on TRL’s looping test track in a Berkshire forest. It’s the same core team at SMLL who assured the safety of the GATEway, Streetwise, and Endeavour trials, testing not just the automated control systems but consumer attitudes to these novel driverless ride-sharing concepts.

For over a decade TRL has supported the European Commission in developing primary and secondary type approval legislation (requirements and test standards) for the General Safety Regulation (GSR) and the Pedestrian Safety Regulation (PSR), including all the new automated driver assistance safety measures which are bridging the gap between totally human driven vehicles and driverless vehicles.   

Testing new hardware sensors, decision-making software, and connectivity with infrastructure applications is all fascinatingly geeky, but equally important is testing the things which nudge people and companies to alter their behaviours. SMLL draws on TRL’s expertise in focus groups, robust attitudinal surveys, use of simulations and cost benefit analysis techniques to support product R&D and policy making.