  Connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) are often discussed as a solution to
pressing issues of the current transport systems, including congestion, safety,
social inclusion and ecological sustainability. Scientifically, there is
agreement that CAVs may solve, but can also aggravate these issues, depending
on the specific CAV solution. In the current paper, we investigate the visions
and worst-case scenarios of various stakeholders, including representatives of
public administrations, automotive original equipment manufacturers, insurance
companies, public transportation service providers, mobility experts and
politicians. A qualitative analysis of 17 semi-structured interviews is
presented. It reveals experts' ambivalence towards the introduction of CAVs,
reflecting high levels of uncertainty about CAV consequences, including issues
of efficiency, comfort and sustainability, and concerns about road co-users
such as pedestrians and cyclists. Implications of the sluggishness of
policymakers to set boundary conditions and for the labor market are discussed.
An open debate between policymakers, citizens and other stakeholders on how to
introduce CAVs seems timely.
