British drivers can have their say on rules surrounding driverless vehicles as part of a consultation process launched by the Department for Transport.
Under proposed measures, it will soon be possible to insure autonomous vehicles for use on UK roads.
The Highway Code will also be altered to ensure advanced driver assistance systems that park vehicles by remote control and change lane on the motorway can be safely used.
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “Driverless car technology will revolutionise the way we travel and deliver better journeys. Britain is leading the way but I want everyone to have the chance to have a say on how we embrace and use these technologies.
“Our roads are already some of the safest in the world and increasingly advanced driver assist and driverless technologies have the potential to help cut the number of accidents further.”
The proposed changes to insurance regulations will be brought forward in the Modern Transport Bill. Vehicle insurance will stay compulsory, but will be extended to cover product liability for autonomous cars.
In the event of an accident, the insurer will still pay out but will then be able to claim money back from the car manufacturer if the vehicle is found to be at fault.
Cars featuring advanced driver assistance features such as motorway assist and remote control parking are expected to go on sale in the UK in two to four years’ time. Automated and driverless cars are expected to arrive from the mid-2020s.
To take part in the consultation, visit www.gov.uk. The consultation runs for nine weeks from July 11th.
