- First types of self-driving vehicles could be on UK roads by
the end of this year
- Journeys of the future could ease congestion, cut emissions
and reduce human error
- Automated Lane Keeping Systems are a first example of
self-driving technology, and will be limited to speeds of up to
37mph on motorways.
Motorists could see self-driving vehicles onto British roads for
the first time later this year, the Department for Transport has
announced today (28 April).
Following a landmark Call for Evidence, the Government has set
out how vehicles fitted with Automated Lane Keeping System (ALKS)
technology could legally be defined as self-driving, as long as
they receive GB type approval and that there is no evidence to
challenge the vehicle’s ability to self-drive.
Designed for use on a motorway in slow traffic, ALKS enables a
vehicle to drive itself in a single lane, while maintaining the
ability to easily and safely return control to the driver when
required.
The technology could improve road safety by reducing human error,
which contributes to over 85% of accidents. The driver will be
able to hand control over to the vehicle, which will constantly
monitor speed and keep a safe distance from other cars.
Today’s announcement comes as the Highway Code launches a
consultation on rules to ensure the first wave of this technology
is used safely and responsibly. This consultation will conclude
on 28 May.
Transport Minister said:
“This is a major step for the safe use of self-driving vehicles
in the UK, making future journeys greener, easier and more
reliable while also helping the nation to build back better.
“But we must ensure that this exciting new tech is deployed
safely, which is why we are consulting on what the rules to
enable this should look like. In doing so, we can improve
transport for all, securing the UK’s place as a global science
superpower.”
Self-driving technology in cars, buses and delivery vehicles
could spark the beginning of the end of urban congestion, with
traffic lights and vehicles speaking to each other to keep
traffic flowing, reducing emissions and improving air quality in
our towns and cities.
Not only are automated vehicles expected to improve road safety,
the technology could also improve access to transport for people
with mobility issues and lead to more reliable public transport
services, helping to level-up access to transport in historically
disconnected and rural areas.
As we build back better, connected and autonomous vehicle
technology could create around 38,000 new jobs in a UK industry
that could be worth £42 billion by 2035. Over 80% of these jobs
are expected to be in professional, technical and skilled trade
occupations.
SMMT Chief Executive, Mike Hawes, said:
“The automotive industry welcomes this vital step to permit the
use of automated vehicles on UK roads, which will put Britain in
the vanguard of road safety and automotive technology. Automated
driving systems could prevent 47,000 serious accidents and save
3,900 lives over the next decade through their ability to reduce
the single largest cause of road accidents – human error.
“Technologies such as Automated Lane Keeping Systems will pave
the way for higher levels of automation in future – and these
advances will unleash Britain’s potential to be a world leader in
the development and use of these technologies, creating essential
jobs while ensuring our roads remain among the safest on the
planet.”
The UK is already a world leader in connected and self-driving
vehicle innovation, and British companies are working on and
developing the next generations of automated vehicles.
Notes to editors
Government will be consulting on specific wording changes to the
Highway Code to ensure clear rules on the safe use for all
self-driving vehicles in the future, including ALKS.
ALKS is a first example of self-driving technology, and its use
will be limited to speeds of up to 37mph on motorways.
In 2035, 80% of the UK jobs relating to CAV technology production
are estimated to be in software-related industries, where UK
capabilities are strong, the value of the technologies is high,
and the labour intensity of production is high. The remaining 20%
would be in the production of CAV hardware such as sensors. Over
90% of the jobs created in developing CAV software and over 80%
of the jobs relating to the manufacture of CAV hardware are
expected to be in professional, technical and skilled trade
occupations.
ALKS is an important step towards the increasing automation of
the driving task. Self-driving vehicle technology has the
potential to greatly improve road safety by reducing human error,
which contributes to over 85% of accidents.
The SMMT estimates that self-driving vehicle technology could
save 3,900 lives and prevent 47,000 serious accidents between now
and 2030. The Institution of Engineering and Technology also
believes that for every 10,000 errors made by drivers, a
self-driving vehicle will commit just one.
Government is working closely with industry and academia to
ensure that these safety benefits are realised as the technology
becomes more advanced, for instance by educating drivers so that
they understand how to use self-driving vehicles.
