Backed by £100m of investment the UK could see vehicles with full self-driving capabilities on its roads in just three years.
Previous plans had allowed drivers of cars that feature autonomous lane-keeping systems to take their hands off the wheel at speeds of up to 37mph in motorway traffic jams, so that they could legally interact with infotainment devices.
This latest announcement will allow fully autonomous vehicles on other roads, not necessarily carrying anyone with a driving licence on board and will likely target public transport or delivery providers.
Described as ‘quite a big leap forward’ by AA president Edmund King he warned that while there were significant benefits from autonomous vehicles detailed studies were still required into how vehicles interact with other road users and changing weather conditions.
Does the Government truly understand the technical complexities associated with autonomous vehicles? As Jonathan Hewett, chief executive of Thatcham Research, said, “The automotive industry is still at the lower end of a steep learning curve.”
Data, and understanding it, as well as ‘complete clarity’ around legal responsibilities for users of self-driving vehicles are going to be critical if the safe adoption of autonomous vehicles is to be realised.
