A new driving law is set to have a significant impact on all British roads in just a couple of years.
The Department for Transport confirmed that self-driving vehicles could land on UK roads following a new Automated Vehicles (AV) Act becoming law today (May 20). Previously announced in the King’s Speech, the AV Act could bring in over 38,000 new jobs in a £42 billion sector, according to the government.
The new law will require all self-driving vehicles to pass a level of safety where it is as careful and competent as human drivers while meeting other safety checks. The government added that potential deaths and injuries from drink-driving, speeding, and tiredness could be reduced.
Read more: Infected blood scandal which left 3,000 dead was ‘not an accident’
Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, said: “Britain stands at the threshold of an automotive revolution and this new law is a milestone moment for our self-driving industry, which has the potential to change the way we travel forever. While this doesn’t take away people’s ability to choose to drive themselves, our landmark legislation means self-driving vehicles can be rolled out on British roads as soon as 2026, in a real boost to both safety and our economy.”
Automated vehicles are also expected to improve road safety by reducing human error – which contributes to 88 per cent of road collisions. The law also provides a legal framework for who is liable for AV’s.
It means that motorists whose vehicles are in self-driving mode will not be responsible for how the vehicle operates. Meanwhile, companies- including insurance providers, software developers, and vehicle manufacturers will be able to hold responsibility.
Trials involving AV’s have already taken place in the UK, such as Wayve and Oxa who have examined the use of self-driving cars in London and Oxford. Wayve itself secured $1 billion in investment for its AI technology.
Paul Newman, Founder and CTO of Oxa, said: “The immense work put in by DfT, Law Commissions and CCAV in crafting the Automated Vehicles Bill has helped it pass into law with the strongest cross-party backing. We now have autonomous vehicle legislation, which is more comprehensive in scope and clearer in its requirements than in any other country.
“The act gives the UK new momentum as developers like Oxa will need to comply with the world’s most comprehensive autonomous vehicle laws to deploy technology in vehicles here. Meeting the highest AV standards will make British companies global leaders with technology that is the safest and AI systems the most trusted – all key to building business and public trust in autonomy globally.”
Alex Kendall, Co-founder and CEO of Wayve, said: “I am delighted that the Automated Vehicles Bill has received Royal Assent. This is a critical milestone for the UK’s deployment of self-driving technology and cements the UK as a global leader in regulating this sector. We are grateful to the government and all who have engaged with us in the conversation about the importance of this legislation.
“Self-driving technology promises a safer, smarter and more sustainable future of transport. There’s still some way to go with secondary legislation before we can reap the full benefits of self-driving vehicles in the UK, but we are confident the government will prioritise these next steps so this technology can be deployed as soon as possible”.
Mike Hawes, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) Chief Executive, said: “This is a watershed moment for UK automotive innovation and road safety in the UK. Self-driving vehicles will revolutionise our society, and this new law will help turn ambition into reality, putting the UK alongside a handful of other global markets that already have their regulatory frameworks in place.
“The industry will continue its close collaboration with government and other stakeholders to develop the necessary secondary legislation that will enable the safe and responsible commercial rollout of self-driving vehicles and the significant social and economic benefits they will afford the UK.”
Richard Cuerden, Director at the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL), said: “TRL welcomes the AV Bill and the ambitious direction it sets to improve transport. The automated technology, software and sensors, and the business models to deliver new services, are developing fast. By setting a regulatory framework, the government is providing the industry with confidence and motivation to continue to and we expect to increase investment in the UK, in this growing sector.
“The promise is more accessible, safer and greener journeys for goods and people, and at TRL we are working hard to ensure that this is delivered. The commercial success will only be possible if the public has trust in the technology and chooses to use AVs. Here safety is key and we are working hard to develop safe engineering and system requirements and in parallel recognising that it is as important to provide public confidence.”
EMEA Tribune is not involved in this news article, it is taken from our partners and or from the News Agencies. Copyright and Credit go to the News Agencies, email news@emeatribune.com Follow our WhatsApp verified Channel
