Self-driving vehicles are a 'great British success story' with urgent calls for new laws
The Transport Committee report highlighted how new laws were needed
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New laws could be included in the upcoming King’s Speech to accelerate the development of self-driving vehicles.
MPs have warned that progress in developing self-driving vehicles could stall if the Government does not introduce new laws.
A report from the Transport Committee stated that the UK had a “competitive advantage” over other countries, but work must be done to protect the fledgling industry.
Current self-driving vehicle laws were described as “archaic and limiting”, with the sector needing new rules to continue the development.
Self-driving cars can be used on some motorways in the UK
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It called for a regulatory framework for self-driving vehicles which would cover vehicle approval, liability, cybersecurity and the use of personal data.
There are fears that without any new changes “significant and lasting damage” could be made to the UK’s self-driving vehicle industry and “the country's reputation as a trailblazer”.
Iain Stewart, Chair of the Transport Committee, said: “Thanks to the energy and creativity of the self-driving vehicles sector, the UK has a head start in developing a vision for how SDVs could be introduced. The Government’s strategy is one this Committee broadly welcomes.
“Self-driving vehicles are a great British success story in the making and we have a competitive advantage over many other countries.
“But all that hard work could be at risk if the Government doesn’t follow through and bring forward a Transport Bill in the next Parliamentary session, before the next general election.”
He added that the Government should take a “cautious, gradual approach” with any legislation that may be introduced.
The report stated that self-driving vehicles would require well-maintained roads, as well as signage, nationwide connectivity and up-to-date digital information.
It is hoped that self-driving technology could be used with HGVs, buses, taxis and private cars in a bid to meet the UK’s transport policy objectives.
In April, Ford made use of new laws to become the first car brand to deploy “hands-free” driving in cars on stretches of motorways around the UK.
The BlueCruise technology will allow motorists to let go of the steering wheel using sensors and software to keep vehicles within a lane.
A spokesperson for the Department for Transport said: “Self-driving vehicles have the potential to reduce road accidents and the Government is putting safety at the heart of their development – ensuring they are resilient and regulated.
“That’s why Government and industry have jointly invested £600million since 2015.
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The Government has invested hundreds of millions of pounds into self-driving vehicles
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“This includes £34million of recent Department of Transport funding to help develop self-driving vehicles that are secure, reliable and cyber-resilient.”