Two showcase events will let people see for themselves how an autonomous vehicle could work in Suffolk.
Residents across Suffolk are being invited to see for themselves how self-driving shuttle technology could shape the future of local travel – and to have their say on how it should work for their communities.
Suffolk County Council is holding two events where the public can ride on the ADASTRA prototype, ask questions and share their views.
The council wants to understand not just whether autonomous shuttles are acceptable, but how they could best serve local needs as part of the wider transport system.
The events take place at:
- Mildenhall Hub, Sheldrick Way, Mildenhall IP28 7JX
9.30am–2pm, Saturday 7 February 2026 - East Point Pavilion, Royal Plain, Lowestoft NR33 0AP
10am–2pm, Saturday 28 February 2026
The council has been working with design experts Smart City Consultancy to assess the technical, operational, and regulatory requirements of incorporating autonomous shuttle services into a potential future network of mobility hubs across the county.
Councillor Chris Chambers, Suffolk County Council Cabinet member for Transport Strategy, said:
“Autonomous vehicles are not trying to replace cars, they are a means to fix specific, expensive gaps in transportation.
“As a council we are committed to delivering a range of transport options to meet the changing needs of the county, which is why we are undertaking this study.
“We really want to hear what people think so I would urge people to come along, see the vehicles in action and take part in the survey.”
In May 2025, Suffolk County Council secured a £75,000 government grant through the Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM) Pathfinder 1 programme, administered by the Innovation Funding Service.
The funding supports feasibility studies aligned with the government’s ambition to establish a £40 billion connected autonomous mobility sector by 2040. ADASTRAL is one of 14 initiatives selected nationally.
Working with partners Smart City Consultancy Limited and Ohmio UK, the council is delivering a £325,000 feasibility study exploring how autonomous shuttles could be used alongside other transport options.
(Picture: Suffolk County Council)
