In the ever-evolving world of self-driving vehicles, the United Kingdom stands as a hub of innovation and progress. The Transport Select Committee’s recent report commends the nation for its energy, expertise, and creative strides in the self-driving vehicle sector. However, this praise comes with a vital call to action: the need for comprehensive legislation to ensure safety and maintain the UK’s leadership in this field.
Safety is at the heart of this issue. The Transport Select Committee acknowledges the assumption that self-driving vehicles will be safer than human drivers. Still, it wisely notes that this assumption isn’t enough. As vehicles face real-world complexities, the report questions the Government’s ambition that these vehicles should be as safe as a competent and careful human driver.
The Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) has submitted evidence to the Transport Select Committee. Our insight emphasizes the importance of rigorous safety standards and testing for self-driving vehicles. Cautioning against rushing the deployment of these vehicles, advocating for controlled testing and low risk to the public. PACTS stresses that the public should not be used as test subjects for “beta” systems on public roads.
This report and PACTS’ input underscore the need for a clear and stringent safety threshold as self-driving vehicles become a reality on our roads. As the UK continues to lead the way in self-driving innovation, it is paramount that the Government sets robust regulations to ensure the safety of all road users.
For further details and in-depth insights on the self-driving vehicle industry, you can access PACTS’ evidence to the Transport Select Committee’s inquiry by clicking here.