Self-driving delivery vehicle pilot project coming to Toronto; councillors raise concerns

Self-driving delivery vehicle pilot project coming to Toronto ; councillors raise concerns about congestion, safety and privacy.

Magna International Inc.’s “automated last-mile delivery vehicles” will soon serve as the testing grounds for the pilot project.

The vehicles will deliver small packages across five wards in the city.

Councillors expressed concerns about autonomous vehicles sharing the roads with traffic, cyclists and pedestrians while Toronto deals with an ongoing congestion problem.

The City has not been informed by MTO of how this input was incorporated or any conditions or restrictions that may have been added in their approval.

CityNews reached out to the MTO and Magna International Inc. regarding the incorporation of City Staff recommendations into the way the pilot will operate.

Magna staff said the LMDDs will not operate on high-speed roads or bike lanes.

The vehicles are small, weigh under 250 kilograms and have added safety features like a speaker to project sound and a large light on top for visibility.

Data from the devices will only be used to improve the autonomous driving system.