London(TUT Global): In an announcement on December 27, UK Transport Minister Mark Harper revealed that self-driving cars might become a reality on British roads by 2026. Currently, cars with full self-driving capabilities are not allowed on UK roads. However, the government is in the process of passing the Automated Vehicles (AV) legislation through parliament, aiming to establish a legal framework for such vehicles by the end of 2024, according to Harper.
Speaking to BBC Radio, Harper stated, “Probably by as early as 2026, people will start seeing some elements of these cars that have full self-driving capabilities being rolled out. It’ll be gradual… so there’ll be companies rolling it out to be used in certain places.”
While the technology has faced criticism, particularly following trials in the United States, Harper emphasized its potential to enhance road safety. Critics argue that self-driving vehicles can lead to accidents, citing an incident in California where regulators instructed General Motors’ driverless car unit Cruise to remove its vehicles from state roads after a crash in October.
Harper countered, stating, “Everything I’ve seen about automated vehicles and self-driving technologies, it’s very focused on keeping people safe.”
In November, the UK introduced legislation outlining plans for the legal liability of self-driving car crashes to fall on manufacturers rather than owners. The government asserts that this bill aims to safeguard users and promote safety within the AV industry. As the legal framework progresses, the gradual introduction of self-driving cars on UK roads could reshape the country’s transportation landscape.
