First self-driving vehicles could be on UK roads before end of year

Automated lane keeping systems will be first example of self-driving tech and will be limited to speeds of up to 37mph on motorways

First self-driving vehicles could be on UK roads before end of year

Motorists could see self-driving vehicles on British roads for the first time later this year, the Department for Transport has announced earlier this week (28 April 2021).

Following a landmark call for evidence, the government has set out how vehicles fitted with Automated Lane Keeping System (ALKS) technology could legally be defined as self-driving, as long as they receive GB type approval and that there is no evidence to challenge the vehicle’s ability to self-drive.

Designed for use on a motorway in slow traffic, ALKS enables a vehicle to drive itself in a single lane, while maintaining the ability to easily and safely return control to the driver when required.

The technology could improve road safety by reducing human error, which contributes to over 85 per cent of accidents.

The driver will be able to hand control over to the vehicle, which will constantly monitor speed and keep a safe distance from other cars.

Related: ADAS training needed to ensure it’s not a hazard, road safety charity warns

The announcement comes as a consultation on The Highway Code rules is launched to ensure the first wave of this technology is used safely and responsibly – the consultation will conclude on 28 May 2021.

Transport minister Rachel Maclean said: “This is a major step for the safe use of self-driving vehicles in the UK, making future journeys greener, easier and more reliable while also helping the nation to build back better.

“But we must ensure that this exciting new tech is deployed safely, which is why we are consulting on what the rules to enable this should look like.

“In doing so, we can improve transport for all, securing the UK’s place as a global science superpower.”

The government claims connected and autonomous vehicle technology could create around 38,000 new jobs in a UK industry that could be worth £42 billion by 2035.

SMMT chief executive, Mike Hawes, said: “The automotive industry welcomes this vital step to permit the use of automated vehicles on UK roads, which will put Britain in the vanguard of road safety and automotive technology.

“Automated driving systems could prevent 47,000 serious accidents and save 3,900 lives over the next decade through their ability to reduce the single largest cause of road accidents – human error.

“Technologies such as automated lane keeping systems will pave the way for higher levels of automation in future – and these advances will unleash Britain’s potential to be a world leader in the development and use of these technologies, creating essential jobs while ensuring our roads remain among the safest on the planet.”

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  • #211576 Reply

    Motorists could see self-driving vehicles on British roads for the first time later this year, the Department for Transport has announced earlier this
    [See the full post at: First self-driving vehicles could be on UK roads before end of year]

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    Les Asquith
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    If we reduced the national speed limit to 37 miles per hour there would be a massive saving in fuel human life, fuel and wear and tear on roads and vehicles.
    Wouldn’t it be fun.
    Les

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