Self-driving cars get green light for use on motorways later this year

28 April 2021, 00:02 | Updated: 28 April 2021, 19:17

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps sets out 'self driving cars' plans

Nick Hardinges

By Nick Hardinges

Self-driving cars that allow motorists to take their eyes off the road and hands off the steering wheel could be allowed on British motorways later this year.

Hands-free driving in vehicles with lane-keeping technology will be allowed on motorways where traffic is slow, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced on Wednesday.

The cars will be allowed to travel at speeds of up to 37mph, with motorways being chosen due to being "relatively straight roads" with "clear road markings", an expert suggested.

Vehicles with an Automated Lane Keeping System (ALKS) could be legally used by a driver who is not paying attention to the road, the DfT said.

However, the department added this was contingent on there being "no evidence to challenge the vehicle’s ability to self-drive".

ALKS technology, described by the DfT as "traffic jam chauffeur technology", enables drivers to relinquish control of their car to the system.

The self-driving vehicles could be used on slow-moving motorways
The self-driving vehicles could be used on slow-moving motorways. Picture: PA

But the new policy will require drivers to be free to resume driving when required.

The tech is designed to constantly monitor speeds reached and to keep safe distances from other road users, normally through the use of cameras and sensors.

If the system detects an "imminent collision risk", it will carry out an "emergency manoeuvre" which could involve braking or a change of direction.

The DfT claimed the technology could boost road safety as human error "contributes to over 85 per cent of accidents".

A consultation has been launched on updates to the Highway Code to ensure autonomous systems are used safely and responsibly.

File photo of self-driving car navigating its way through Coventry city centre in 2017
File photo of self-driving car navigating its way through Coventry city centre in 2017. Picture: PA

Transport minister Rachel Maclean said: "This is a major step for the safe use of self-driving vehicles in the UK, making future journeys greener, easier and more reliable while also helping the nation to build back better.

"But we must ensure that this exciting new tech is deployed safely, which is why we are consulting on what the rules to enable this should look like.

"In doing so, we can improve transport for all, securing the UK's place as a global science superpower."

Jim Holder, editorial director of magazine and website What Car?, said the new policy is a "sensible first step" towards autonomous driving.

"These are very, very controlled circumstances, low speed, relatively straight roads, clear road markings," he said.

"In theory, this should be a very effective way of using the technology to good effect."

Mr Holder said Britain is in a "global competition" to develop the technology, adding that the announcement "gets us back in the race" as the UK is "a bit behind" the US and China.

File photo showing a self-driving car in front of a London bus two years ago
File photo showing a self-driving car in front of a London bus two years ago. Picture: PA

Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said humans are "invariably the weak link" when it comes to driving safely, but warned there are "challenges" when journeys involve transferring control from technology to the individual behind the wheel.

"There is a risk of situations in which drivers over-rely on the automated system, expecting it to deal with events for which it is neither intended nor capable," he said.

"And what happens when drivers are expected to take back control in an emergency? Research for us shows that it can take drivers several seconds to regain command of their vehicle."

Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said: "Technologies such as Automated Lane Keeping Systems will pave the way for higher levels of automation in future.

"These advances will unleash Britain's potential to be a world leader in the development and use of these technologies, creating essential jobs while ensuring our roads remain among the safest on the planet."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

William Jonzi, 24, reportedly followed a paying customer through the international airport's e-gates and attempted to board the flight with no documents last Wednesday morning

Man wrestled off TUI flight at Gatwick after breaching security and boarding without documents

According to documents filed for the federal criminal case, officers found at least 14 unused Molotov cocktails in Soliman's possession when they arrested him.

Colorado firebomb attack was year in the making, FBI says, as suspect faces terror and hate crime charges

In the years leading up to the attack, Robert Price, 76, had been the target of a prolonged campaign of harassment and criminal damage, the Old Bailey was told.

Teenagers jailed for manslaughter after firework attack which killed widower in his own home

Cameron Norrie of Great Britain plays a forehand against Novak Djokovic of Serbia.

Cameron Norrie out of French Open after convincing defeat to Novak Djokovic

Exclusive
Lord George Robertson has warned the enemy is already at our door

'Our enemies are at our door', warns Lord Robertson as government unveils Strategic Defence Review

Households across the UK can claim up to £300 this June in payments to help with essential costs amid the cost of living crisis.

UK households to get £300 summer cost of living payment from this month

Britain's Jack Draper reacts as he plays against Kazakhstan's Alexander Bublik

Jack Draper knocked out of the French Open by Alexander Bublik

Holocaust survivor among victims in Colorado as man charged with murder after 'petrol bomb' attack at pro-Israel rally

Holocaust survivor among victims in Colorado as man charged with murder after 'petrol bomb' attack at pro-Israel rally

Jodey Whiting, 42, was found dead in 2017 just two weeks after her Employment Support Allowance (ESA) was cut.

Disabled mum-of-nine killed herself because her benefits were incorrectly cut, inquest finds

Arrivals at the UK Border at Heathrow Terminal 3

The UK airports that allow you to keep liquids in bags through security

AI, drones and missile defence investment part of UK new defence plans

Healey pledges to 'create British Army that is 10 times more lethal' as full details of defence review emerge

Rose West

Rose West has new grandchild after son welcomes baby with former model

Exclusive
The Prime Minister's promising a major overhaul of the UK's armed forces to defend against a new era of threat.

Britain’s war-fighting wake-up call: Defence review must be a start, not a slogan, warns military expert

Fourth man arrested in connection with arsons linked to Keir Starmer's properties in north London.

Fourth man arrested at airport over firebomb attacks at properties linked to Keir Starmer in north London

Russia and Ukraine agree prisoner swap following peace talks as Putin's negotiator proposes 'limited ceasefire'

Russia and Ukraine agree prisoner swap following peace talks as Putin's negotiator proposes 'limited ceasefire'

Lance Corporal Bernard Mongan, 33, whose body was discovered on January 23 2020

Soldier was 'missing for three weeks before body was found' in barracks