Autonomous vehicles are one step closer to UK roads after the UK Government launched a new programme on regulating the field this week.
The Automated Vehicles Act Implementation Programme, which was introduced on Wednesday, hopes to ensure the safe deployment of self-driving vehicles on UK roads by 2027.
The programme is responsible for carrying out the full policy, legislative and operational implementation of the Automated Vehicles Act 2024.
It aims to create a comprehensive regulatory framework to govern how automated vehicles operate safely on public roads.
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Speaking last May, Former Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, said: "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."
The programme has three main objectives including, focusing on deployment, in-use regulation, and international capabilities.
For deployment, it aims to produce secondary legislation and develop processes to approve and authorise AVs while protecting consumers.
This initiative represents a significant step forward in the UK's commitment to rolling out new autonomous vehicle technology.
The programme builds upon years of preparation and existing guidelines for trialling automated vehicles in the UK. It also builds on the Code of Practice for automated vehicle trialling, which was last updated in November 2023.
The Code provides guidance on legal requirements, safety protocols, and best practices for organisations conducting trials.
It also emphasises that trialling any level of automated vehicle technology is possible on UK roads if conducted in line with UK law, without requiring permits or surety bonds.
It also plays a leading role in aligning UK regulation with other international rules on self-driving vehicles, which, once confirmed, will enable UK companies to export globally.
Executive agencies, including the DVSA, DVLA, Vehicle Certification Agency, and National Highways, have been involved in the development of the programme. programme.
Under the current AV trialling regulations in the UK, organisations must ensure they have a driver or operator ready to resume control of the vehicle at all times.
The vehicle must be roadworthy, meeting relevant national in-service requirements as detailed in the Construction and Use Regulations. Appropriate insurance must also be in place, as UK law requires all motor vehicles to be insured.
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Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, added: "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."
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The Automated Vehicles Act Implementation Programme, which was introduced on Wednesday, hopes to ensure the safe deployment of self-driving vehicles on UK roads by 2027.
The programme is responsible for carrying out the full policy, legislative and operational implementation of the Automated Vehicles Act 2024.
It aims to create a comprehensive regulatory framework to govern how automated vehicles operate safely on public roads.
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing [email protected]
Speaking last May, Former Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, said: "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."
The programme has three main objectives including, focusing on deployment, in-use regulation, and international capabilities.
For deployment, it aims to produce secondary legislation and develop processes to approve and authorise AVs while protecting consumers.
This initiative represents a significant step forward in the UK's commitment to rolling out new autonomous vehicle technology.
The programme builds upon years of preparation and existing guidelines for trialling automated vehicles in the UK. It also builds on the Code of Practice for automated vehicle trialling, which was last updated in November 2023.
The Code provides guidance on legal requirements, safety protocols, and best practices for organisations conducting trials.
It also emphasises that trialling any level of automated vehicle technology is possible on UK roads if conducted in line with UK law, without requiring permits or surety bonds.
It also plays a leading role in aligning UK regulation with other international rules on self-driving vehicles, which, once confirmed, will enable UK companies to export globally.
Executive agencies, including the DVSA, DVLA, Vehicle Certification Agency, and National Highways, have been involved in the development of the programme. programme.
Under the current AV trialling regulations in the UK, organisations must ensure they have a driver or operator ready to resume control of the vehicle at all times.
The vehicle must be roadworthy, meeting relevant national in-service requirements as detailed in the Construction and Use Regulations. Appropriate insurance must also be in place, as UK law requires all motor vehicles to be insured.
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Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, added: "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."
Find Out More...