AV Act sets path for self-driving vehicles on British roads by 2026

The Automated Vehicles (AV) Act has become law meaning self-driving vehicles could potentially be on British roads by 2026.

Announced in the King’s Speech, the AV Act enables advanced technology to drive vehicles on British roads. The new law, says the Department for Transport, puts Britain firmly at the forefront of self-driving technology regulation, unlocking the potential of an industry estimated to be worth up to £42 billion and creating 38,000 skilled jobs by 2035. 

Road safety, says DfT, is at the heart of the legislation, with automated vehicles expected to improve road safety by reducing human error, which contributes to 88% of road collisions.

The law will require self-driving vehicles to achieve a level of safety at least as high as careful and competent human drivers and in the future, argues DfT, deaths and injuries from drink driving, speeding, tiredness and inattention could be drastically reduced.  

Self-driving vehicles could also support areas previously impacted by driver shortages, such as haulage, and where work can be dangerous, such as mining.

The act, claims DfT, delivers the most comprehensive legal framework of its kind worldwide, setting out who is liable for AVs meaning that drivers can be assured that, while their vehicle is in self-driving mode, they will not be held responsible for how the vehicle drives. For the first time, corporations such as insurance providers, software developers and automotive manufacturers assume this responsibility. 

And to ensure autonomous vehicles are safe for British roads, the vehicle approval system will be supported by a completely independent incident investigation function. This will promote the same culture of learning and continuous improvement that has made the British aviation industry one of the safest in the world. Companies will have ongoing obligations to keep their vehicles safe and ensure that they continue to drive in accordance with British laws.  

Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, said, “Britain stands at the threshold of an automotive revolution and this new law is a milestone moment for our self-driving industry, which has the potential to change the way we travel forever. 

The AV Act follows self-driving trials already taking place across the country. For example, British companies Wayve and Oxa are trialling self-driving cars in London and Oxford.

Paul Newman, Founder and CTO of Oxa, said, “The immense work put in by DfT, Law Commissions and CCAV in crafting the Automated Vehicles Bill has helped it pass into law with the strongest cross-party backing. We now have autonomous vehicle legislation, which is more comprehensive in scope and clearer in its requirements than in any other country.

“The act gives the UK new momentum as developers like Oxa will need to comply with the world’s most comprehensive autonomous vehicle laws to deploy technology in vehicles here. Meeting the highest AV standards will make British companies global leaders with technology that is the safest and AI systems the most trusted – all key to building business and public trust in autonomy globally.”

Alex Kendall, Co-founder and CEO of Wayve, added “Self-driving technology promises a safer, smarter and more sustainable future of transport. There’s still some way to go with secondary legislation before we can reap the full benefits of self-driving vehicles in the UK, but we are confident the government will prioritise these next steps so this technology can be deployed as soon as possible.”

Richard Cuerden, Director at the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL), said, “The automated technology, software and sensors, and the business models to deliver new services, are developing fast. By setting a regulatory framework, the government is providing the industry with confidence and motivation to continue and we expect to increase investment in the UK, in this growing sector.

“The promise is more accessible, safer and greener journeys for goods and people, and at TRL we are working hard to ensure that this is delivered. The commercial success will only be possible if the public has trust in the technology and chooses to use AVs. Here safety is key and we are working hard to develop safe engineering and system requirements and in parallel recognising that it is as important to provide public confidence.”