Self-driving vehicles could be on roads by 2026 as Automated Vehicles Act becomes law
Mon 20 May 2024
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A new law means that self-driving vehicles could appear on British roads as soon as 2026. Announced in the King’s Speech, the AV Act enables advanced technology to safely drive vehicles on British roads.
The Government says that the Act - which, it says, bolsters the UK’s position as a world leader in emerging industries, with both the self-driving vehicle and artificial intelligence (AI) sectors - could be worth up to £42 billion and create 38,000 more skilled jobs by 2035.
The law will require self-driving vehicles to achieve a level of safety at least as high as careful and competent human drivers, as well as meeting rigorous safety checks before being allowed onto roads.
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."
The AV Act follows self-driving trials already taking place across the country.
Richard Cuerden, Director at the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) and a Zemo Partnership Board member, said: "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."
Image: Autonomous car (Courtesy, Wayve)
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