Autonomous Cars and Sustainable Land Development in Nigeria

Abstract

Self-driving car technology is no longer a novel idea. Given the rate at which the technology is developing, fully autonomous cars are predicted to become readily available over the next three decades. Self-driving vehicles offer numerous advantages, such as significantly reduced accidents, provision of automobile access to disabled people, traffic efficiency, easy parking and safety of movement. On a global scale, selfdriving vehicles are being investigated to determine the legal, ethical and economic implications of their use. The widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles will undoubtedly alter land use and influence the interpretation of relevant land laws. It will also require major adjustments to the way roads are designed. The aim of this research is to examine the link between the transportation infrastructure readjustments required for the deployment of self-driving cars and sustainable land development in Nigeria. This study adopted the doctrinal research methodology, using qualitative research techniques to analyse primary sources of law such as the Nigerian Constitution, 1999, and the Land Use Act, as well as secondary sources of law such as books written by renowned scholars, peer-reviewed journals on self-driving cars and relevant policy frameworks to actualise its objectives. The study noted that transportation and land use are intertwined, as transportation infrastructure is one of the key amenities affecting the environment, community wellness, and land
development. It is also notes that the introduction and adoption of selfdriving cars will impact the growth of urban areas since the use of these vehicles will lead to more effective construction of infrastructure comprising parking lots, bridges, tunnels, railways, buildings, and roads. It is important to add, however, that the use of self-driving cars may influence the decision made by families regarding the proximity of their place of employment and their place of residence. Since passengers can focus on other tasks while in an autonomous vehicle, long trips will be considered less demanding. As a result, families may be more inclined to relocate away from urban areas and settle in places where land and rent are significantly cheaper. Thus, this research concludes that the rapid advancement of self-driving technology will result in foreseeable changes in land use, planning, and design. Therefore, the study recommends sufficient planning that will involve the modification of road infrastructure and the adjustment of policies that will enhance the functionality of selfdriving cars and satisfy the specific demands of autonomous vehicles.