Government clears road for autonomous tests

The UK government could allow self-driving cars without a designated driver on UK roads by the end of this year.

It has plans to scrap the requirement for autonomous vehicles to have a driver, or even a steering wheel.

This is part of the government’s ambition to place the UK as the European leader in autonomous technology.

Transport minister Jesse Norman, said, ‘Thanks to the UK’s world class research base, this country is in the vanguard of the development of new transport technologies, including automation. The government is supporting the safe, transparent trialling of this pioneering technology, which could transform the way we travel.’

To ensure safety, the code of practice for carrying out trials is expected to be strengthened.

Automotive minister Richard Harrington said, ‘The UK has a rich heritage in automotive development and manufacturing, with automated and electric vehicles set to transform the way we all live our lives.

‘We want to ensure through the Industrial Strategy Future of Mobility Grand Challenge that we build on this success and strength to ensure we are home to development and manufacture of the next generation of vehicles.

‘We need to ensure we take the public with us as we move towards having self-driving cars on our roads by 2021. The update to the Code of Practice will provide clearer guidance to those looking to carry out trials on public roads.’