Connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) are poised to transform the transport system. However, significant uncertainties remain about their impact, particularly regarding concerns that this advanced technology might exacerbate injustices, such as safety disparities for vulnerable road users (VRUs). Therefore, understanding the potential conflicts of this technology with societal values such as justice and safety is crucial for responsible implementation. To date, no research has focused on what safety and justice in transport mean in the context of CAV deployment and how the potential benefits of CAVs can be harnessed without exacerbating the existing vulnerabilities and injustices VRUs face. This paper addresses this gap by exploring car drivers' and pedestrians' perceptions of safety and justice issues that CAVs might exacerbate using an existing theoretical framework. Employing a qualitative approach, the study delves into the nuanced aspects of these concepts. Interviews were conducted with 30 participants (40% pedestrians) in Queensland, Australia, aged between 18 and 79. These interviews were recorded, transcribed, organised, and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Three main themes emerged from the participants' discussions: (1) CAVs as a safety problem for VRUs, (2) CAVs as a justice problem for VRUs, and (3) CAVs as an alignment with societal values problem. Participants emphasised the safety challenges CAVs pose for VRUs, highlighting the need for thorough evaluation and regulatory oversight. Concerns were also raised about CAVs potentially marginalising vulnerable groups within society. Participants advocated for inclusive discussions and a justice-oriented approach to designing a comprehensive transport system to address these concerns.

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An examination of women's experience on public transport in Bangladesh and Cambodia found that victimization does reduce perceived safety or transport use. In a cultural context where women are socialized to fear and avoid public spaces, experiencing victimization may confirm rather than change previous beliefs. Moreover, it is possible that the participants’ use of public transport was driven by necessity rather than choice and that they were unable to change travel patterns in response to victimization. These findings underscore the importance of targeting public violence toward women and the broader societal norms that limit their participation in public life.

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Connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) are expected to revolutionise transport worldwide and transform urban life. However, there are many unknowns concerning the impacts of these technologies in terms of sustainability, justice, and safety. It has been suggested that CAVs may exacerbate inequities and safety disparities concerning the interaction of vulnerable road users (VRUs) with motorised transport. This paper investigates the justice issues that CAVs policy needs to address concerning VRUs. Our approach to studying CAVs’ capabilities and their potential perverse outcomes uses transport justice as an evaluative framework. The justice-related outcomes discussed include: traffic injuries, impact on sharing road responsibilities, loss of on-street space, access to technology, inclusion for disabled and older adults, CAV technological development, and impact of congestion and air pollution. The paper proposes a future research agenda emphasising areas where CAVs may positively impact VRUs.@en