Initiative details
The C•AUTO project addresses several persistent and emerging road safety challenges, particularly within urban environments. One of the main problems we focus on is excessive vehicle speed in sensitive areas such as school zones, hospitals, pedestrian crossings, and high-risk intersections. Despite existing signage and infrastructure, speeding remains a leading cause of accidents, particularly those involving vulnerable road users like children, the elderly, and cyclists.
Another key issue is the lack of adaptive and proactive tools to manage traffic behavior in real-time. Current solutions often react after incidents occur, rather than preventing them. C•AUTO proposes an innovative approach through the deployment of intelligent electric vehicles that function as mobile “City Safety Cars.” These vehicles travel at regulated speeds and use predictive data to position themselves strategically in urban areas with higher accident risk.
Furthermore, C•AUTO tackles the challenge of building a shared safety culture. It aims to influence driver behavior through presence, not punishment—creating an environment of passive regulation, education, and visual deterrence rather than relying solely on fines or enforcement.
By addressing both infrastructural gaps and behavioral aspects, C•AUTO contributes to achieving the Vision Zero goal of eliminating fatalities and serious injuries on our roads.
Another key issue is the lack of adaptive and proactive tools to manage traffic behavior in real-time. Current solutions often react after incidents occur, rather than preventing them. C•AUTO proposes an innovative approach through the deployment of intelligent electric vehicles that function as mobile “City Safety Cars.” These vehicles travel at regulated speeds and use predictive data to position themselves strategically in urban areas with higher accident risk.
Furthermore, C•AUTO tackles the challenge of building a shared safety culture. It aims to influence driver behavior through presence, not punishment—creating an environment of passive regulation, education, and visual deterrence rather than relying solely on fines or enforcement.
By addressing both infrastructural gaps and behavioral aspects, C•AUTO contributes to achieving the Vision Zero goal of eliminating fatalities and serious injuries on our roads.
Initiative date
Who was/is your target audience?
Policy makers
Public authorities
Others
Topic
Create awareness
Improve vehicles and infrastructure
Knowledge building and sharing
Provide alternative solutions
Organisation details
C°AUTO
Individual
Italy
bergamo
Contact name
carlo cella
Telephone number
3482250627
carlo.cella@gmail.com
Website link
Project activities
If you work together with external partners, list the most important partners and briefly describe their role.
na
Please describe the project activities you carried/are carrying out and the time period over which these were implemented.
The C•AUTO project was initiated in 2023 with the goal of addressing urban road safety through innovation and data-driven mobility solutions. Since its inception, the project team has been working on conceptual development, stakeholder engagement, and partnership building.
During 2023 and early 2024, we focused on the design and refinement of the core concept—an intelligent electric vehicle that acts as a City Safety Car, moderating traffic flow in urban areas with high accident risk. Activities included the production of a visual pitch, strategic communication materials, and the preliminary definition of technical specifications.
We have actively engaged with public administrations, including the Municipality of Bergamo, to explore potential pilot implementations. In parallel, we initiated conversations with potential industrial and financial partners, such as BREMBO, a global leader in automotive braking systems, to explore synergies and opportunities for investment and joint development.
During 2023 and early 2024, we focused on the design and refinement of the core concept—an intelligent electric vehicle that acts as a City Safety Car, moderating traffic flow in urban areas with high accident risk. Activities included the production of a visual pitch, strategic communication materials, and the preliminary definition of technical specifications.
We have actively engaged with public administrations, including the Municipality of Bergamo, to explore potential pilot implementations. In parallel, we initiated conversations with potential industrial and financial partners, such as BREMBO, a global leader in automotive braking systems, to explore synergies and opportunities for investment and joint development.
In terms of implementation, what worked well and what challenges did you need to overcome?
The C•AUTO project has been positively received for its originality and alignment with global and European road safety priorities. The conceptual development stage benefited from a strong interdisciplinary team—including two recent Bocconi University graduates—who brought both energy and strategic vision to the initiative. The project's innovative character and social purpose have attracted early interest from private partners such as BREMBO, and allowed us to open dialogue with several Italian municipalities.
What worked well was the clarity of the concept and its emotional appeal: the idea of a vehicle that “leads by example” and passively regulates urban traffic resonates with citizens and stakeholders. The integration of real-time data and predictive safety positioning has also been recognized as a unique feature.
However, a major challenge remains the inertia and cautious approach of many Italian public administrations. Despite interest, decision-making processes are slow and often fragmented. Moreover, the project still lacks a proper incubation environment and structured support to transition from idea to prototype.
For this reason, EU-level visibility and support—both political and financial—could represent a turning point. Inclusion in the European Road Safety Charter would greatly enhance C•AUTO’s credibility and help attract the right investors and institutional partners to scale the initiative effectively.
What worked well was the clarity of the concept and its emotional appeal: the idea of a vehicle that “leads by example” and passively regulates urban traffic resonates with citizens and stakeholders. The integration of real-time data and predictive safety positioning has also been recognized as a unique feature.
However, a major challenge remains the inertia and cautious approach of many Italian public administrations. Despite interest, decision-making processes are slow and often fragmented. Moreover, the project still lacks a proper incubation environment and structured support to transition from idea to prototype.
For this reason, EU-level visibility and support—both political and financial—could represent a turning point. Inclusion in the European Road Safety Charter would greatly enhance C•AUTO’s credibility and help attract the right investors and institutional partners to scale the initiative effectively.
Evaluation
Please summarise how you have evaluated the initiative’s impact (e.g. social media reach, survey, feedback forms, statistics).
na
What has been the effect of the activities?
na
Please briefly explain why your initiative is a good example of improving road safety.
C•AUTO is a strong example of innovation in road safety because it shifts the focus from reactive enforcement to proactive prevention. By deploying intelligent electric vehicles that regulate traffic through example—not sanction—C•AUTO introduces a new model of urban mobility that is both data-driven and socially engaging. The initiative directly addresses speed reduction in high-risk urban areas, especially where vulnerable road users are present. It combines real-time analytics, strategic positioning, and visible deterrence to promote safer driving behavior without the need for permanent infrastructure. Its adaptability, low environmental impact, and potential to foster a new culture of road awareness make it a scalable and modern tool aligned with EU safety objectives and the Vision Zero approach.
How have you shared information about your project and its results?
We have begun to share information about the C•AUTO project through various digital and professional channels. A dedicated visual pitch has been developed and circulated among potential partners and institutional stakeholders to clearly communicate the project’s goals, mechanics, and expected impact.
Additionally, we have promoted C•AUTO through LinkedIn, leveraging personal and professional networks to raise awareness among policy makers, urban planners, safety experts, and innovation-driven investors. These posts have generated interest and opened valuable conversations with potential supporters and collaborators.
A dedicated website is currently under development, which will serve as a central hub for all communications, including updates on the project’s progress, pilot activities, research findings, and partnership opportunities.
As the project evolves, we plan to further increase visibility through public presentations, participation in road safety forums, startup competitions, and cooperation with media outlets interested in urban innovation and sustainable mobility.
We believe that clear, accessible, and engaging communication is a key enabler of impact and legitimacy, especially in a field where community trust and institutional support are essential.
Additionally, we have promoted C•AUTO through LinkedIn, leveraging personal and professional networks to raise awareness among policy makers, urban planners, safety experts, and innovation-driven investors. These posts have generated interest and opened valuable conversations with potential supporters and collaborators.
A dedicated website is currently under development, which will serve as a central hub for all communications, including updates on the project’s progress, pilot activities, research findings, and partnership opportunities.
As the project evolves, we plan to further increase visibility through public presentations, participation in road safety forums, startup competitions, and cooperation with media outlets interested in urban innovation and sustainable mobility.
We believe that clear, accessible, and engaging communication is a key enabler of impact and legitimacy, especially in a field where community trust and institutional support are essential.