London, UK: The UK government is bringing forward an Automated Vehicles Bill over the course of the next parliament, paving the way for use of self-driving vehicles on UK roads.
The move, announced in the King’s Speech, could “make last-mile delivery and long-haul freight services more efficient and reduce congestion”, says the government.
The bill will aim to ensure there is clear legal liability over who or which organisation is responsible during crashes involving self-driving vehicles.
When the vehicle is in self-driving mode, the company running the vehicle would be liable. Drivers retain the responsibility for non-driving aspects, such as insurance and roadworthiness.
The announcement comes amid wider government funding and support for trials of self-driving technologies in the UK, such as the £66m “Commercialising Connected and Automated Mobility” fund which is supporting 20 projects in nearly 50 organisations to develop prototype passenger and logistics self-driving services.
Transport minister, Jesse Norman, said: Today marks a landmark occasion as we usher in the future of transport, aiming at safer, greener and more efficient travel for all.”
