Steer boosts autonomous vehicle expertise with key hire ahead of major UK legislation
The addition of AV specialist Bhavin Makwana marks an important step for Steer as the UK approaches legalisation of self-driving vehicles. His insight across technology, regulation and commercial delivery enhances our work with authorities building the foundations for safe and equitable autonomous mobility.
Steer is boosting our autonomous vehicle (AV) expertise in the UK with the key hire of Bhavin Makwana, an Associate in our New Mobility team.
Steer has been advising public agencies, cities and industry partners on AV strategy, safety frameworks, service models and deployment planning for several years, including extensive work in North America where commercial pilots and early operating models are more advanced.
Bhavin’s arrival adds additional depth to the UK team, representing important growth for Steer at a critical moment for the AV sector in the country.
The UK is expected to legalise the operation of self-driving vehicles on public roads in 2026, a change that will move the conversation from experimentation to regulated deployment. Several pilots are already underway across the country, testing the operational, safety and commercial parameters of autonomous services. As this shift accelerates, authorities will face complex questions around policy, governance, liability, infrastructure readiness and public acceptance.
Bhavin brings significant experience across these issues, spanning self-driving technologies, zero-emission fleets and the regulatory and investment frameworks that support safe, real-world deployment. In his senior leadership role at Zenzic, he helped shape national programmes to advance the UK’s connected and automated mobility ecosystem, led the organisation’s influential Insights programme, and guided strategic funding for the sector. His international work includes advising the Chamber of Progress in the US on societal and policy considerations surrounding AV adoption.
Alongside his AV expertise, Bhavin has delivered work across EV charging infrastructure, fleet transition and the digital and physical systems needed for next-generation transport networks. Capabilities that will become increasingly important as cities consider how autonomous services integrate with broader mobility strategies.
As public-sector bodies prepare for the coming legislative shift, Steer’s advisory services will play a vital role in helping authorities navigate the regulatory landscape, plan resilient infrastructure, and build the operational and policy foundations required for safe, equitable and commercially viable deployment.
Bhavin joins Steer at such a critical time for new mobility. As UK public authorities prepare for this shift, the path to deployment will be shaped less by technological barriers and more by challenges around public acceptance, regulation, supply chains, maintenance and skills, commercial models, and questions of who ultimately pays for adoption at scale. Steer is ready to support organisations navigating these issues with the strategic insight and practical expertise needed to plan for safe, effective and future-ready deployment.
- Matt Clark, Head of New Mobility, Steer
We recognise that many authorities are still at the early stages of understanding what AV deployment means for their area. If you’d value an informal conversation about the challenges ahead – from regulation and readiness to strategy and delivery – contact Matt Clark.
