MPs are investigating what needs to happen for self-driving cars to become a regular sight on Britain's roads.
The Transport Select Committee announced it has launched an inquiry into their development and deployment, including safety issues and the relationship with other road users.
Changes needed to regulations such as the vehicles’ legal status, insurance and authorisation processes will also be probed and the committee will analyse the progress of research and trials into autonomous and connected vehicles in the UK and overseas.
Fully driverless cars are not yet legally permitted in the UK, but autonomous features are being developed by car makers. The Department for Transport (DfT) announced proposed changes to the Highway Code in April which mean users of self-driving cars will be allowed to watch television programmes and films on built-in screens, but using a phone will remain illegal, according to WalesOnline.
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The update to the Code will also state that users will not be responsible for crashes, with insurance companies liable for claims, but motorists must be ready to take back control of vehicles when needed.
The development of self-driving vehicles could create around 38,000 new jobs in Britain and be worth £41.7bn to the economy by 2035, according to the DfT. In April last year, the department said it would allow hands-free driving in vehicles with lane-keeping technology on congested motorways, at speeds of up to 37mph. A full regulatory framework for self-driving vehicles is expected to be in place by 2025.
Oxford-based technology firm Oxbotica completed its first fully autonomous, driverless vehicle test on publicly accessible roads last month. The fully electric vehicle used a combination of radar and laser-based systems to enable it to be operated on the city’s roads with no on-board driver. Oxbotica hopes the vehicle’s first on-road business use will take place next year, with Ocado Group, delivering groceries.
Last week, the Law Commission of England and Wales began seeking views on regulating remote driving, which involves vehicles being controlled by someone potentially several miles away. The closing date for written evidence to the Transport Select Committee is August 22.
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