Autonomous vehicles safe for U16s, UK survey suggests
A new survey has revealed that more than three million people in the UK believe children under the age of 16 should be allowed to ‘drive’ an autonomous vehicle.
This is according to a public opinion survey carried out by digital car finance lender Carmoola.
The survey was carried out after the Automated Vehicle Act was passed earlier this year, which could see autonomous vehicles on UK roads by 2026.
It found that about seven per cent of people would have no issue with someone under 16 behind the wheel of an autonomous car, which equates to about 3.3 million people.
Meanwhile, nine per cent supported people with no driving experience being in ‘control’ of an autonomous vehicle, with nearly a third (30%) expressing complete confidence in the technology taking over full control from humans.
Autonomous vehicles
The nationally representative survey questioned 2,000 people to gauge the public’s attitude to self-driving cars.
It also found that many people believe the technology can benefit those deemed unfit to drive by the DVLA, with 20% supporting the idea of autonomous cars driving someone with a physical or mental disability, 11% agreeing they could help someone with severe epilepsy (11%), and 10% in favour of those with cognitive impairment or dementia sitting behind the wheel of a self-driving car.
Aidan Rushby, founder and CEO, said: “As we look toward a future of self-driving cars, we wanted to explore how comfortable Brits are with the idea of these cars operating on UK roads. While there is still hesitation among the public, the ongoing debate about who should be legally permitted to drive an autonomous vehicle is intriguing.
“Even though full control isn’t required, the conversation around who can sit behind the wheel is far from settled. There are many rules yet to be defined – from the legal driving age to the qualifications of those allowed to operate these vehicles.
“With 2026 fast approaching, key questions remain; Will our roads be ready for self-driving cars? Will drivers adapt? And will more people than ever before take the wheel as a result?”
