Transport Minister Mark Harper announced on Wednesday that self-driving cars might be seen on some UK roads as early as 2026.
At the moment, vehicles with fully autonomous driving capabilities are not allowed on UK roads. Nevertheless, the nation’s government is now debating regulations pertaining to automated vehicles (AVs). Accordingly, Harper pointed out, a legislative framework might be prepared by the end of 2024.
Harper said in an interview with BBC Radio that people could see fully autonomous vehicles on the road as early as 2026. Organizations will introduce them in targeted areas in a progressive manner.
The device has encountered skepticism, especially following experiments conducted in the US. Critics cite instances in which autonomous cars have resulted in collisions. For example, after an October collision, California officials ordered General Motors’ autonomous car division, Cruise, to remove its vehicles from state highways.
Harper, though, thinks the technology has the potential to improve British road safety. He noted that the main goal of automated car technology is to protect the safety of the occupants.
The UK’s legislation, which was enacted in November, aims to hold manufacturers legally liable for any incidents involving self-driving cars instead of auto owners. According to the administration, this bill will protect consumers and promote safety in the AV sector.
