PACTS was delighted to co-host the 2026 Herman De Croo Lecture in Cambridge, alongside the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), with support from Waymo and the Greater Cambridge Partnership.
The day began with the ETSC Main Council meeting, bringing together members from across the continent to discuss current developments in road safety, including the UK road safety strategy and development of regulations for automated vehicles.
In the evening, Dr Nick Reed delivered a hugely thought-provoking lecture on what it means to be a “good” or “bad” driver in an age of increasing automation. He explored the implications of the Automated Vehicles Act 2024, the interaction between human behaviour and emerging technologies, and the continued importance of evidence-based approaches such as the Safe System.
The lecture sparked exactly the kind of discussion you would hope for, with conversations continuing well into dinner at St John’s College, Cambridge. It was a fascinating reminder that the challenges around automation, human behaviour, and road safety are very much still open for debate.
Innovation in Transport – 25 March
On 25 March, PACTS took part in a session with the Greater Cambridge Partnership showcasing practical applications of innovation in transport. Attendees explored automated vehicles and active travel, culminating in a demonstration of the West Cambridge Connector – a Level 4 automated bus running on public roads, supervised by a safety driver. Every delegate had the chance to ride the bus and see the technology in action.
It was a fantastic opportunity to connect policy discussion with real-world delivery and witness firsthand how innovation is shaping the future of transport.
PACTS was proud to co-host the Herman De Croo Lecture, supporting dialogue between safety experts, policymakers and industry. We look forward to providing further opportunities for our members to connect with developments in transport safety.
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