Transport Committee Chair comments on self-driving vehicles and rail reform in King’s speech

Commenting on announcements in today’s King’s Speech, Transport Select Committee Chair Iain Stewart MP said: 

“I applaud the Government’s promise of bringing forward legislation on self-driving vehicles that will help the UK to realise its place as a world leader in developing these technologies – a view shared with us from a range of voices in the transport sector. But we also urge the Government and industry to ensure passengers with accessibility needs are not left as an after thought when these technologies are applied to public transport, as is far too often the case. 

“I also welcome the long awaited progress with establishing Great British Rail and reforms that the sector and passengers are crying out for. While we hoped for a full Bill at this stage, it is encouraging that the draft Bill has been published and I would urge the Government to proceed as quickly as possible with the scrutiny stage.”