AUTONOMOUS transport, greener vehicles, and advances in connectivity could be harnessed to help Hampshire’s success in the future, experts predict.

As part of a presentation to the Hampshire 2050 Commission – set up by Hampshire County Council to explore how best to “ensure Hampshire’s future prosperity”, industry specialists examined the impact of electric powered and self-driving vehicles, the impact of communications and smart technology, and future energy issues.

They found that harnessing these could have an impact on those living and working in Hampshire in the coming years.

Leader of Hampshire County Council, Roy Perry, said: “This is a large county, and Hampshire’s mix of unique countryside, coastline, market towns and historic centres is something we’re very proud of.

“However, it is clearly fundamental to the future of Hampshire that people feel they can access all the county has to offer. We can start planning now to create a future where today’s young residents have opportunities to thrive as they make their choices about where to work and where to live.”

Cllr Perry added: “The panel of Commissioners has heard some truly fascinating evidence on current data and trends, as well as predictions of where we could be to help us understand where we might want to be in 30 years’ time. I’m also very interested to hear the views of the wider community, so we can gather all the information we can to develop a Vision for Hampshire to 2050.”

Hampshire residents are now invited to complete an online questionnaire on each of the six key themes about what may happen in the future, what the impact of this will be, and how the county council and other organisations need to respond to this.

Since its inception, the Hampshire 2050 Commission of Inquiry has heard evidence on Demographic and societal challenges, the future of the Hampshire economy, Work, Skills and Lifestyle, Environment and Quality of Place, and Mobility, Connectivity and Energy. The final hearing on the six themes will take place later this month and will focus on Rural Hampshire, including how economic, social, technological and environmental changes are likely to affect rural communities and the potential for a rural renaissance