Self-driving cars could be on some roads in Britain by 2026, British Transport Minister Mark Harper said on Wednesday (Dec. 27).
While technology-enabled cars are currently not allowed on UK roads, parliament is considering government legislation on automated vehicles (AVs). Mark Harper should establish a legal framework for these vehicles by the end of 2024.
The potential to improve road safety
“Probably as early as 2026, people will start to see some elements of these cars with fully autonomous driving capabilities,” Mark Harper told BBC radio.
Critics of the technology, which has been tested in the United States, say the vehicles can cause accidents. In California, regulators ordered Cruise, the General Motors subsidiary specializing in self-driving cars, to remove its vehicles from the state’s roads after an accident in October.
However, British Transport Minister Mark Harper believes the technology has potential to improve road safety.
“Everything I’ve seen about automated vehicles and self-driving technologies is very focused on people’s safety,” he said.
Under legislation announced in November, Britain will hold manufacturers, not owners, of autonomous vehicles legally responsible for any accidents. The government said the bill will protect users and promote safety in the industry.
Source: BFM TV
