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innovative new laws mean people can use technology like
remote control parking on British roads from June
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drive-assist technologies will make motorist’s lives
easier and improve accessibility
New laws introduced yesterday (16 May 2018) will mean that from
next month drivers will be able to use remote control parking on
British roads.
Changes to the Highway Code and relevant regulations
were consulted on earlier this
year and received overwhelming support from a range of
groups including manufacturers, insurance groups and haulage
companies.
Developments like remote control parking and motorway assist have
the potential to transform car travel for those with mobility
challenges, unlocking tight parking spaces and using computers to
help driver accuracy on the road.
Not only that, but technology has the potential to make driving
more energy efficient meaning cheaper, cleaner journeys, with
improved air quality for both drivers and pedestrians.
The updates will provide clarity for motorists about how the
technologies can be used, and allow the increased use of features
like cruise control, providing significant advantages for
drivers.
With gadgets like these already available on some vehicle models,
the updates see the law moulding to the modern driving world,
making sure drivers are ready to use their new technology safely
and ensuring the law is flexible for future breakthroughs.
, Transport Minister said:
Advanced driver assistance systems are already starting to
revolutionise driving.
It’s encouraging to see the strong support for these
innovations from a range of stakeholders. We will continue to
review our driving laws, in order to ensure drivers can enjoy
the potential of these new tools safely.
The changes are part of a package of work to
ensure UK road laws
are fit to support automated driving technology as they develop
and provide clarity on new use cases.
The government also recently tasked the Law Commission with
a detailed review of driving
laws, along with planned updates to the code of practice to
ensure that as technology develops the UK remains one of the best places in
the world to develop, test and drive self-driving vehicles.
This builds on previous consultations on automated driving, and
also the recently published Industrial Strategy,
which designated the future of mobility as one of the 4 ‘grand
challenges’. This strategy, along with changes to our regulatory
framework, will help realise the government’s desire to see fully
self-driving cars on the UK roads by 2021.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief
Executive:
Connected and autonomous vehicles will transform our lives,
with the potential to reduce up to 25,000 serious accidents and
create more than 300,000 jobs over the next decade.
Today’s announcement is just one step towards increasing
automation but it is an important one enabling increased
convenience especially for those with restricted mobility. It
is another welcome commitment from government to keep
the UK firmly at
the forefront of connected and autonomous vehicle development
and rollout.
It is important to note that while advanced driver assistance
technology will benefit British road users, drivers must continue
to maintain overall control of their vehicle.
The remote-control function may be used in a variety of ways,
from a key fob issued by the manufacturer, to an app on a device
such as a mobile phone.
In addition, the Highway Code rules will
be changed so clarity is given on both the use of remote control
parking, and driver assistance systems that can control aspects
of driving such as changing lanes on the motorway.
The changes proposed will update Road Vehicles (Construction and
Use) Regulation 110.
Currently the regulation stipulates that drivers may not hold a
mobile device while in their vehicle. The proposed update will to
allow drivers to use their remote control parking device. They
will need to be within 6 metres of their vehicle. These updates
will then be reflected in the Highway Code.
