Analysis

Autopilot for the roads

Self-driving cars could be on UK motorways by 2023 with a full rollout from 2025. By Natalie Middleton

Plans recently announced by the Government set out new legislation that will allow for the safe wider rollout of self-driving vehicles by 2025. Former transport secretary Grant Shapps, who explained the initiative, said some vehicles that can drive themselves on motorways could be available to purchase within the next year. Users would need a valid driving licence for these, so they can drive on other roads.

These would be followed by other self-driving vehicles, for example used for public transport or delivery. Those vehicles are expected on the roads by 2025 and would not need anyone on board with a driving licence because they would be able to drive themselves for the whole journey.

The plans are being supported by a new consultation, seeking views on the safety behind such plans.

It is claimed the move would bring economic benefits – the Government estimates it could create up to 38,000 jobs and be worth £42bn. But self-driving vehicles could also revolutionise public transport and passenger travel – especially for those who don’t drive – and also better connect rural communities and reduce road collisions caused by human error.

They could also, in the future, provide tailored on-demand links from rural towns and villages to existing public transport options nearby and deliver more direct and timely services that enable people to better access vital services such as schools and medical appointments.

The Government is backing its plans for self-driving vehicles by a total of £100m, with £34m confirmed for research to support safety developments and inform more detailed legislation. This could include researching the performance of self-driving cars in poor weather conditions and how they interact with pedestrians, other vehicles and cyclists

It’s also pledged £20m, again part of the overall £100m, to help kick-start commercial self-driving services and enable businesses to grow and create jobs in the UK, following an existing £40m investment. Successful projects could help see, for example, groceries delivered to customers by self-driving vehicles, or shuttle pods assisting passengers when moving through airports. In addition, £6m will be used for further market research and to support commercialisation of the technology.

An ultimate prize ‘worth pursuing’

The AA welcomed the move and said the Government was right to embrace the positive changes offered by self-driving technology and back it by funding research and putting forward legislation.

President Edmund King added: “Assisted driving systems, for example, autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control, are already helping millions of drivers stay safe on the roads.

“It is still quite a big leap from assisted driving, where the driver is still in control, to self-driving, where the car takes control,” he continued. “It is important that the Government does study how these vehicles would interact with other road users on different roads and changing weather conditions.

“However, the ultimate prize, in terms of saving thousands of lives and improving the mobility of the elderly and the less mobile, is well worth pursuing.”

Meanwhile, Thatcham Research said it welcomed “the breadth of the Government’s ambi-tion in positioning the UK as a centre for self-driving innovation”, along with the safety-first approach it has laid out.

Chief executive Jonathan Hewett elaborated: “Ensuring that safe adoption is at the centre of its plans will play a pivotal role in realising the societal benefits of self-driving technology.

“The cars we drive are changing at an unprecedented rate. But the automotive industry is still at the lower end of a steep learning curve. It’s vital that we balance the risk with the opportunity, gathering intelligence on the different use cases for the technology and in turn understanding what it means for all road users.

“All the ingredients are present for the UK to become a global leader in this space. However, it is paramount that we make sense of the data these vehicles will provide, to inform risk and ultimately pave the way for safe adoption.”