The British government has launched a nine week nationwide consultation on driverless cars to prepare the country’s roads for the next generation of automobiles.
The government has invited all drivers and insurers to share their thoughts on what legislation and insurance must look like in the future.
The Department for Transport said the goal of the consultation is to help change the rules so automated vehicles can be insured for use on the UK’s roads.
The Highway Code and regulations are to be altered so advanced driver assistance systems that change lanes on the motorway and park the vehicle by remote control can be used safely.
Furthermore, insurance law will be changed so that, in the future, motorists who have handed control to their ‘self-driving’ cars can be insured properly.
A ‘Modern Transport Bill’ will be discussed after the consultation to look at the proposed changes to insurance.
In addition, and building upon the government’s £20m already awarded to UK driverless car projects in February, the government will next month launch a competition for a further £30m from the Intelligent Mobility Fund, for research and development of innovative connected and autonomous vehicle technologies.
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin, said: “Britain is leading the way but I want everyone to have the chance to have a say on how we embrace and use these technologies.
“Our roads are already some of the safest in the world and increasing advanced driver assist and driverless technologies have the potential to help cut the number of accidents further.”
Business Secretary Sajid Javid, said: “Britain’s auto industry has always been at the forefront of innovation and research. This additional £30 million of funding for research and development (R&D) is a further sign of our commitment to making sure we’re creating opportunities for UK businesses to thrive and attract global investment in world-class technology.
Cars with advanced driver assistance features, like remote control parking and motorway assist, are expected to be on sale in Britain between 2018 and 2020.
Automated and driverless vehicles are expected on the roads any time from the mid-2020s onwards, according to the DfT.
