Following the approval of the Automated Vehicles (AV) Act, self-driving vehicles could be on UK roads as early as 2026.
Becoming law following its announcement during the King’s Speech, The AV Act will enable the development of advanced technology to see the implementation of self-driving cars in Britain.
The new legislation will require autonomous vehicles to achieve a safety level comparable to that of careful and competent human drivers.
The Act will also ensure vehicles pass strict safety checks before being allowed on UK roads.
Trials have shown that self-driving vehicles could improve the lives of millions of British citizens, improving mobility and access to services.
The law may also help prevent future deaths and injuries from drunk driving, speeding, tiredness, and inattention.
UK Transport Secretary Mark Harper commented: “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.”
Improving road safety with self-driving vehicles
Currently, in the UK, 88% of road collisions are caused by human error. Self-driving cars are expected to reduce these errors significantly.
To ensure the safety of autonomous vehicles on British roads, an independent incident investigation function will support the vehicle approval system.
This will foster a culture of learning and continuous improvement akin to the aviation industry’s standards.
Companies will have ongoing obligations to maintain vehicle safety and compliance with British laws.
Mike Hawes, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) Chief Executive, added: “This is a watershed moment for UK automotive innovation and road safety in the UK.
“Self-driving vehicles will revolutionise our society, and this new law will help turn ambition into reality, putting the UK alongside a handful of other global markets that already have their regulatory frameworks in place.
“The industry will continue its close collaboration with government and other stakeholders to develop the necessary secondary legislation that will enable the safe and responsible commercial rollout of self-driving vehicles and the significant social and economic benefits they will afford the UK.”
© shutterstock/metamorworks
Who is liable in the case of a road accident?
The Act establishes a comprehensive legal framework, defining liability for self-driving vehicles.
It ensures drivers are not responsible for the vehicle’s actions in self-driving mode. Instead, liability falls on corporations such as insurance providers, software developers, and automotive manufacturers.
Benefits to the UK economy
The UK’s autonomous vehicle sector has generated £475m in direct investments between 2018 and 2022 and created over 1,500 jobs.
Following the approval of the AV Act, it is estimated that self-driving vehicles could unlock around £42bn for the UK economy and create 38,000 skilled jobs by 2035.
