- Transport Secretary Mark Harper announces UK’ aims to allow self-driving cars by 2026.
- The Automated Vehicles Bill will set legal and safety standards for manufacturers.
- The move is part of a plan to create a £42 billion industry and 38,000 jobs by 2035.
The UK government, under the guidance of Transport Secretary Mark Harper, has outlined a plan to welcome self-driving cars onto British roads as early as 2026. The announcement comes as part of a broader technological legal framework aimed at fostering job creation and attracting investments within the sector.
Automated Vehicles Bill: Safeguarding UK’s transportation future
Introduced as part of the legislative agenda by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the proposed Automated Vehicles Bill will establish a legal safety benchmark for companies manufacturing autonomous vehicles. It represents a shift of responsibility towards manufacturers and prohibits misleading marketing, particularly regarding the full autonomy of such vehicles.
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Greater clarity in marketing required
Harper, in a Thursday interview, highlighted the possibility of seeing fully autonomous vehicles on public roads by 2026. In light of this, misleading promotions, such as Tesla’s so-called “Full Self-Driving capability,” would require greater clarity. Manufacturers will be compelled to describe their vehicles as autonomous only if they genuinely meet the criteria, thus avoiding customer and driver confusion.
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The legislative strategy is part of a comprehensive plan to develop a £42 billion industry by 2035, expected to generate 38,000 jobs in the UK. The legislation will undergo a thorough parliamentary process in the coming months before it can be enacted into law.
In a move that aligns with global advancements in automotive technology, the UK positions itself at the forefront of this transformative industry, setting robust standards for the advent of autonomous vehicles.
