A new driving law is set to have a major impact on all British roads in just a few years.
The Department for Transport has confirmed that driverless vehicles could hit UK roads after the new Automated Vehicles (AV) Act becomes law today (20 May). The AV Bill, previously announced in the King’s Speech, could bring more than 38,000 new jobs in a £42bn industry, according to the government.
The new law will require all autonomous vehicles to pass a safety level where they are as careful and competent as human drivers when carrying out other safety checks. The government added that potential deaths and injuries from drunk driving, speeding and fatigue could be reduced.
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Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “Britain stands on the brink of an automotive revolution and this new law is a turning point for our autonomous driving industry, which has the potential to change the way we travel forever. But this is the turning point that removes people’s ability to choose to drive on their own.” “Our landmark legislation means driverless vehicles could be on British roads as soon as 2026, providing 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 percent of road crashes. The law also provides a legal framework for who will be responsible for AVs.
This means that drivers whose vehicles are in autonomous driving mode will not be responsible for the way the vehicle operates. Meanwhile, companies including insurance providers, software developers and vehicle manufacturers will be able to bear liability.
Trials involving AVs such as Wayve and Oxa have already taken place in the UK, with trials examining the use of driverless vehicles in London and Oxford. Wayve secured a $1 billion investment for artificial intelligence technology.
Paul Newman, Founder and CTO of Oxa, said: “The hard work of the DfT, Law Commissions and CCAV to prepare the Automated Vehicles Bill has helped it become law with the strongest cross-party support. We now have autonomous vehicle legislation. In terms of scope It is more comprehensive and its requirements are clearer than in other countries.
“The law will give the UK a new boost as developers like Oxa will need to comply with the world’s most comprehensive autonomous vehicle laws to apply the technology to vehicles here. Meeting the highest AV standards will make British companies global leaders with the safest technology and artificial intelligence. The most reliable systems; these are all key to building business and public confidence in autonomy on a global scale.”
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 to roll out autonomous driving technology and strengthens the UK as a global leader in the automotive industry We are grateful to the government for regulating this sector and to everyone who stands with us on the importance of this legislation.
“Self-driving technology promises a safer, smarter and more sustainable future for transport. There is still some way to go in passing secondary legislation before we can reap the full benefits of driverless vehicles in the UK, but we are confident the government will prioritize this issue.” These are the next steps so that this technology can be deployed as quickly as possible.”
Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), said: “This is a turning point for automotive innovation in the UK and road safety in the UK. Driverless vehicles will revolutionize our society and this new legislation will help. United Kingdom Make this ambition a reality by placing the Kingdom alongside a handful of other global markets that already have regulatory frameworks in place.
“The industry will continue to work closely with government and other stakeholders to develop the necessary secondary legislation that will enable the safe and responsible commercial introduction of driverless vehicles and the significant social and economic benefits they will deliver in the UK.”
Richard Cuerden, Director of the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL), said: “TRL welcomes the AV Bill and the ambitious direction it sets to improve transport. Business models to deliver new services with automated technology, software and sensors are evolving. The Government is supporting the sector by creating a regulatory framework It provides the confidence and motivation to continue and we look forward to increased investment in this growing sector in the UK.
“The promise of more accessible, safer and greener journeys for goods and people is the promise, and at TRL we are working hard to ensure this is delivered. Commercial success will only be possible if the public trusts the technology and chooses to use AVs. Safety is paramount here and we are committed to safe “We are working hard to develop the engineering and system requirements and, in parallel, we recognize that maintaining public trust is equally important.”