Self-driving technology, once the stuff of driving dreams, is
getting closer. In April 2022, proposed revisions to the Highway
Code were laid before Parliament to provide for self-driving
cars. The Law Commission of England and Wales is seeking
views on regulating remote driving on public roads, building on
earlier recommendations from the Law Commission and Scottish Law
Commission for reform to enable “the safe and responsible
introduction of automated vehicles.”
The Government has said that it is “continuing to develop a full
legal framework for self-driving vehicles”. This is set to
include a full regulatory framework for widespread deployment of
automated lane keeping system tech by 2025. The first approved
technology is likely to be for vehicles travelling at slow speeds
on motorways, such as in congested traffic.
The Transport Committee will investigate the development and
deployment of self-driving vehicles, also known as connected and
autonomous vehicles, on the UK’s roads. The inquiry will consider
the progress of research and work in the UK and abroad and what
needs to happen to prepare for their arrival. This includes
regulation, perceptions of safety, the role of Government,
implications for infrastructure and for existing car use.
The Committee is particularly interested in receiving written
evidence that addresses:
- likely uses, including private cars, public transport and
commercial vehicles, and levels of automation;
- progress of research and trials in the UK and abroad;
- potential implications for infrastructure, both physical and
digital;
- the regulatory framework, including legal status, approval
and authorisation processes and insurance;
- safety and perceptions of safety, including the relationship
with other road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and
conventionally driven vehicles;
- the role of Government and other responsible bodies, such as
National Highways and local authorities; and
- potential effects on patterns of car ownership, vehicle
taxation and decarbonisation in the car market.
The closing date for written evidence is Monday 22 August
2022.
Further information:
