Manufacturers driving self-driving vehicles in the UK will be liable for the actions of a vehicle in autonomous mode, according to UK authorities. new road map to achieve a broad roll-out of self-driving vehicles by 2025.
The UK government unveiled the roadmap this weekend, announcing $119 million in funding for AV projects and a further $41 million for research to support security and new legislation.
The roadmap stated that new legislation builds on existing laws and states that manufacturers are responsible for the actions of self-driving vehicles, “meaning that a human driver would not be liable for incidents related to driving while the vehicle is in control of the vehicle.” drive.”
This distinction could set a precedent worldwide, where liability in accidents involving self-driving vehicles can still be somewhat of a gray area. Wwhen an autonomous Uber test vehicle killed a pedestrian in 2017, the human security operator in the vehicle was charged with negligent death with a dangerous instrument. Uber was not charged. And after a fatal accident in 2019 involving a Tesla vehicle working in Autopilot, the driver, not Tesla, was charged with two felony counts of manslaughter by a vehicle with gross negligence.
As the country prepares to write new laws regarding AVs, Britain has a consultation period on a “security ambition” that self-driving vehicles are as safe as a human driver. The results of the consultation would help shape the standards for driving autonomous vehicles on public roads, as well as potential sanctions if those standards are not met.
“It’s still a big leap from assisted driving, where the driver is still in control, to self-driving, where the car takes control. It is important that the government investigates how these vehicles would interact with other road users on different roads and changing weather conditions.” AA President Edmund King said in a statement. “But the ultimate prize, in terms of saving thousands of lives and improving the mobility of the elderly and less mobile, is worth pursuing.”
Aside from legislating to ensure the safety of autonomous technology, the UK wants to capitalize on the emerging AV market, which it values at around $50 billion and could create an estimated 38,000 new jobs. Of the total investment amount, approximately $24 million will be used to kick-start commercial self-driving services, such as autonomous grocery delivery or airport shuttle pods. An additional $7 million will be spent on further market research and to support commercialization.
“We want the UK to be at the forefront of developing and using this fantastic technology, which is why we are investing millions in essential safety research and enacting legislation to ensure we achieve the full benefits this technology promises,” he said. transportation. Secretary Grant Shapps in a statement.
The government said vehicles that can drive themselves on highways could be available to purchase for drivers with valid driver’s licenses within a year. While Teslas are among the best-selling vehicles in the UKCurrent legislation does not allow UK drivers to try out Tesla’s full self-driving beta, the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) which comes with a variety of automated driving features. New legislation could open the door not only to ride-hail, delivery and public transportation, but also to cars equipped with higher levels of ADAS.