Ministers Announce Plans for Self-Driving Cars to Hit Roads by 2026
For driverless cars to be permitted on UK roads, they must meet a safety standard equal to that of careful and competent human drivers.
British drivers may soon be sharing the road with autonomous vehicles by 2026, sparking debates on the safety of this emerging technology.
The Department for Transport (DfT) confirmed this development after the Automated Vehicles Act received Royal Assent recently.
According to the new legislation, self-driving cars could be operational on British roads by 2026 if they prove to be as safe as proficient human drivers.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper praised this as a significant milestone for the UK’s self-driving car industry, potentially revolutionizing travel methods.
While individuals will still have the option to drive themselves, the new law allows for the introduction of self-driving vehicles on British roads by 2026, enhancing safety and the economy, as stated by Mr. Harper.
The government views this act as a strategic move to bolster Britain’s leadership in self-driving technology and artificial intelligence sectors.
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The CEO of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, Mike Hawes, hailed this as a significant moment for automotive innovation and road safety.
Mr. Hawes emphasized the potential of self-driving vehicles to transform society and commended the new law for translating aspirations into reality, aligning the UK with global markets that have established regulatory frameworks for autonomous vehicles.
Additional legislation will ensure a secure and responsible commercial deployment of driverless cars, ensuring safety for all road users, Mr. Hawes noted.
Safety Concerns
As the act progressed through Parliament from its introduction in November 2023, concerns about the safety of self-driving vehicles emerged among politicians and industry representatives.
The previous year, the Transport Committee identified the government’s safety criteria for autonomous vehicles to be too lenient in replicating human drivers, advocating for a stronger threshold which, however, was rejected by the government.
Nonetheless, the bill includes a provision for consulting with key organizations representing automated vehicle manufacturers, road users, and road safety organizations to address safety concerns.
Various risks associated with driverless cars, such as autopilot system failures, lithium-ion battery-related fires, hacking vulnerabilities, and pedestrian collision risks, have been highlighted by the National Accident Helpline.
Charity group Cycling UK has proposed a phased approach for the introduction of autonomous vehicles, starting with motorways and exclusive car zones before integrating with pedestrian and cyclist-heavy environments.
Approval and Trials
The approval process for driverless cars will involve independent investigators ensuring compliance with British laws, with the responsibility for safe vehicle operation falling on insurance providers, software developers, and automotive manufacturers.
For the first time, these entities will take charge of the vehicle’s driving behavior, with distinctions made between fully automatic self-driving cars and those requiring human intervention in specific scenarios.
Trials of self-driving cars have already commenced in London and Oxford, with startups like Wayve and Oxa conducting these trials welcoming the comprehensive and clear regulatory framework provided by the new legislation, surpassing international standards.
The government has emphasized the economic benefits of the self-driving vehicle sector, indicating significant direct investment and revenue growth in recent years.
