New partnerships strengthen PAVE UK鈥檚 commitment to self-driving mobility
Thursday 5 November 2026
New partnerships strengthen PAVE UK鈥檚 commitment to self-driving mobility
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PAVE UK welcomes three new organisations: , the and
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Expansion will broaden expertise across the self-driving ecosystem, providing a more holistic view
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PAVE UK is the country鈥檚 first initiative on enabling public trust and acceptance through evidence-based engagement and education programmes
has expanded its membership to include three new leading organisations from the insurance, accessibility, and legal sectors.
With the addition of Acorn Group, the Motability Foundation and Shoosmiths, PAVE UK is broadening the range of expertise shaping its work to build public trust and understanding of self-driving vehicle technology.
As the UK moves closer to the widespread deployment of automated vehicles, the three organisations will join existing members and global industry leaders, Wayve, Uber and Nissan, in a collaborative effort to educate the public, address common misconceptions and support the safe and responsible introduction of self-driving technology across the UK.
The new members join at a pivotal moment for the UK self-driving sector. As the UK's regulatory framework continues to develop and industry deployments expand across the country, the conversation around self-driving vehicles is increasingly moving beyond technology development alone to encompass accessibility, legal frameworks, insurance, public confidence, and societal benefit.
By bringing together expertise from across these areas, PAVE UK is ensuring that the future of self-driving mobility is informed by a diverse range of perspectives and underpinned by strong evidence based on public understanding, trust, and acceptance.
Professor , Director of PAVE UK and Head of Safe Autonomy at 果冻传媒 Manufacturing Group (WMG), 果冻传媒, explained:
"At a pivotal moment for the UK self-driving vehicle ecosystem as the technology graduates to commercial deployment, we are delighted to welcome Acorn Group, the Motability Foundation and Shoosmiths. Together with our existing members, this new insurance, accessibility, and legal expertise and focus, gives us a holistic view towards a responsible deployment of self-driving vehicle technology.
鈥淚t also demonstrates how our membership base is evolving to reflect the diverse stakeholders as the questions around accessibility, liability, consumer confidence, and public benefit become just as important as the technology itself.鈥�
Nigel Fletcher, Chief Executive of Motability Foundation, said: 鈥淪elf-driving vehicles have the potential to transform how disabled people travel, offering greater independence, more choice and access to journeys that might otherwise be difficult or impossible. By working with PAVE UK, we are ensuring that disabled people's voices are heard so that the development of self-driving vehicles contributes to a transport system, where every disabled person has the freedom to make the journeys they choose.鈥�
Ben Gardner, Partner at Shoosmiths added: 鈥淗aving advised on a range of automated vehicle projects, Shoosmiths is delighted to join PAVE UK and contribute our legal and sector expertise to the informed, inclusive dialogue needed to support responsible deployment, a clear legal framework and realise the benefits of this technology for people, businesses and communities across the UK.鈥�
Mike Lloyd, CEO Acorn Group said: "Joining PAVE UK means we can help give drivers clear, balanced information about what self-driving means for safety, accident liability, and the impact on insurance cover. We look forward to bringing an insurer鈥檚 voice and insights to the conversation.鈥�
Established with the support of the Department for Transport, the Department for Business and Trade;the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV); Transport for West Midlands; and WMG at the果冻传媒, PAVE UK helps the public better understand both the opportunities and limitations of self-driving vehicles.
Its work is centred on three core pillars: scientific research, accurate communication, and meaningful two-way engagement, all guided by its Charter for the Responsible Introduction of Self-Driving Vehicles on British Roads.
To work with PAVE UK, email: PAVEUK@warwick.ac.ukLink opens in a new window.
Find out more about WMG鈥檚 Safe Autonomy research: Safe AutonomyLink opens in a new window
About PAVE UK
PAVE UK aims to bring the conversation about automated vehicles to the public so that future users and technology developers can play a role in shaping the future of mobility.
Through evidence-based education and engagement programmes, PAVE UK helps improve understanding of the capabilities and limitations of self-driving technology, supporting informed public dialogue and responsible deployment.
About Motability Foundation
The Motability Foundation is an independent charity that funds, supports, researches, and innovates to help disabled people make the journeys they choose. The Foundation works to build transport equity through research, grant programmes, innovation, and partnerships, while overseeing the delivery of the Motability Scheme and promoting inclusive mobility across the UK.
About Shoosmiths
Shoosmiths is a leading UK law firm providing legal services across a wide range of sectors, including mobility, technology, financial services, and infrastructure. Founded in 1845, the firm supports organisations across the UK and internationally, combining legal expertise, sector knowledge and innovation to help clients navigate complex opportunities and challenges.
About Acorn Group
Acorn Group is a UK-based specialist insurance broker with more than four decades of experience arranging cover for drivers, fleet operators, motor traders, and homeowners. The company is particularly recognised for its expertise in taxi insurance and specialises in supporting customers whose insurance needs may not be met by standard insurance providers.
Media contact
Jonathan Smith Head of Operations, PAVE UK: Jonathan.Smith.1@warwick.ac.ukLink opens in a new window