This open access publication examines the impact of connected and automated vehicles on the
European city and the conditions that can enable this technology to make a positive
contribution to urban development. The authors argue for two theses that have thus far received
little attention in scientific discourse: as connected and automated vehicles will not be ready
for use in all parts of the city for a long time previously assumed effects - from traffic
safety to traffic performance as well as spatial effects - will need to be re-evaluated. To
ensure this technology has a positive impact on the mobility of the future transport and
settlement policy regulations must be adapted and further developed. Established territorial
institutional and organizational boundaries must be investigated and challenged quickly.
Despite - or indeed because of - the many uncertainties we find ourselves at the beginning
of a new design phase not only in terms of technology development but also regarding politics
urban planning administration and civil society.
