The United Kingdom could witness the introduction of self-driving cars on its roads as early as 2026, according to the country’s transport minister, Mark Harper, who made the announcement on Wednesday.
Currently, vehicles equipped with full self-driving technology are not allowed on British roads.
However, Harper revealed that the government’s Automated Vehicles (AV) legislation is in the process of going through parliament.
This legislative effort aims to establish a legal framework for self-driving cars, and it is anticipated to be finalized by the end of 2024.
Harper shared his insights during an interview with BBC Radio, stating, “Probably by as early as 2026, people will start seeing some elements of these cars that have full self-driving capabilities being rolled out. It’ll be gradual… so there’ll be companies rolling it out to be used in certain places.”
Despite concerns raised by critics about the technology, particularly following trials in the United States, Harper emphasized that self-driving cars have the potential to enhance road safety.
Some critics argue that these vehicles may lead to accidents, citing incidents like the one in California where regulators instructed General Motors’ driverless car unit, Cruise, to remove its vehicles from state roads after an October accident.
Harper countered these concerns, stating, “Everything I’ve seen about automated vehicles and self-driving technologies, it’s very focused on keeping people safe.”
The legislation, unveiled in November, outlines plans for manufacturers, rather than owners, to bear legal liability for any accidents involving self-driving cars.
The government asserts that this bill is designed to safeguard users and promote safety within the AV industry.
Source: Reuters
