The aerial work platform comprises a chassis 2, a work platform 10 and a lifting structure 20 that comprises at least one boom 26 able to be raised and lowered and a pendular arm 30 mounted at the top end of the boom 26 and supporting the platform 10. It also comprises sensors 51, 52 for detecting the proximity of the platform 10 to an obstacle. On-board electronics automatically puts the aerial work platform in a compact position on request by an operator by controlling the lifting structure 20 according to the signals from the sensors 51, 52 in order to take account of the surroundings. In the compact position, the aerial work platform is suitable for transport on a trailer or flatbed lorry. This avoids the transporter having himself to control the various movements of the lifting structure 20 in order to bring the aerial work platform into the compact transportation position.