UK will have self-driving cars on the roads by 2026
The United Kingdom has passed the Automated Vehicles Act, a landmark legislation that will allow self-driving cars on its roads by 2026. The act, which has been given Royal Assent by King Charles, stipulates that autonomous vehicles must meet safety standards equivalent to those of alert and competent human drivers. The act also outlines a shift in liability from drivers to insurance providers, software developers, and automotive manufacturers when the vehicle is operating autonomously.
A revolutionary leap in UK's automotive industry
Autonomous vehicles, designed to operate without human intervention, rely on cameras, sensors, and artificial intelligence (AI) for safe navigation. The new legislation is seen as a revolutionary step forward in automotive technology in the UK. Potential benefits of these self-driving cars include lesser traffic accidents, increased mobility for those unable to drive, and improved traffic management. British Transport Secretary Mark Harper described the bill's passage as a "milestone moment" for the UK's self-driving industry.
Positioning in global autonomous vehicle market
Harper stated that Britain is on the brink of an automotive revolution, with the new law set to boost both road safety and economic growth. He emphasized that it'll also ensure people retain the option to drive themselves. Echoing Harper's sentiments, Mike Hawes, Chief Executive, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), called the act a "watershed moment" for UK automotive innovation. Hawes highlighted that this places the UK among select global markets with established regulatory frameworks for autonomous vehicles.
