by A new driving law is set to hit all of Britain’s roads in a few years’ time.
The Department for Transport has confirmed that self-driving vehicles could land on UK roads after a new Automated Vehicles (AV) Act became 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 achieve a level of safety where they are as careful and competent as human drivers when performing other safety checks. The government also said potential deaths and injuries from drunk driving, speeding and fatigue could be reduced.
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Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “Britain is on the cusp of an automotive revolution and this new law is a milestone for our self-driving industry, which could change the way we travel forever. harnessing people’s ability to choose to drive themselves, our landmark legislation means self-driving vehicles can be rolled out on Britain’s roads as early as 2026, a real boost to 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 those liable for AVs.
It means that drivers 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 take responsibility.
Trials related to AVs have already been carried out in the UK, such as Wayve and Oxa which examined the use of self-driving cars in London and Oxford. Wayve itself received a $1 billion investment for their AI technology.
Paul Newman, Founder and CTO of Oxa, said: “The enormous work done by the Department, Law Commissions and CCAV has helped to shape the Automated Vehicles Bill into law with the strongest cross-party support . We now have autonomous vehicle legislation. , which is more comprehensive in scope and clearer in its requirements than in any other country.
“The action brings new momentum to the UK as developers like Oxa will have 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 safest technology and most trusted AI systems – anything critical to building business and public confidence in global independence.”
Alex Kendall, Co-Founder and CEO of Wayve said: “I am delighted that the Automated Vehicles Bill has received Royal Assent. This is a key milestone for the UK’s deployment of self-driving technology and cements the UK as a world leader in regulate this sector We are grateful to the government and to all those who have joined us in the conversation about the importance of this legislation.
“Self-driving technology promises a safer, smarter and more sustainable transport future. There is still some way to go with secondary legislation before we can take full advantage of self-driving vehicles in the UK, but we are confident that the government will prioritize these next steps so that this technology can be used as soon as possible”.
Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), said: “This is a watershed moment for automotive innovation and road safety in the UK. Self-driving vehicles will revolutionize our society, and this new law will help make that ambition a reality, putting the UK alongside a handful of other global markets that already have their 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 roll-out of self-driving vehicles and the significant social and economic benefits they will bring to 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 automation technology, the software and sensors, and the business models to deliver new services, developing By setting a regulatory framework, the government is giving confidence and encouragement to the industry to continue 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 this is delivered. Commercial success will only be possible if there is trust in the public in the technology and that they choose to use AVs.. Here safety is key and we are working hard to develop safe engineering requirements while recognizing that it is just as important to provide public trust. “
