– Automated Vehicles Act received royal assent in the UK, allowing self-driving cars on roads by 2026
– Liability in case of accidents will rest with corporations under new regulations
– The UK is positioning itself at the forefront of autonomous vehicle technology with funding for research and safety programs.
The U.K. has officially established regulations for self-driving cars with the passage of the Automated Vehicles (AV) Act, allowing fully autonomous vehicles to potentially be on British roads by 2026. The government believes this legislation will enhance safety and boost the economy. The move comes after U.K.-based Wayve secured over $1 billion in funding to develop self-learning software for autonomous vehicles.
As the autonomous vehicle industry has advanced, the U.K. realized the need for a new legal framework to govern driverless cars on public roads. The AV Act was first proposed in a joint report published by the Law Commissions of England, Wales, and Scotland, emphasizing the need for new regulations to address the arrival of autonomous vehicles.
One key aspect of the U.K.’s new regulation is determining liability in the event of a self-driving car accident. The government has stated that corporations, rather than human drivers, will be responsible for any mishaps while the vehicle is in control. Each approved self-driving vehicle will have an authorized entity that holds liability, such as the manufacturer or software developer.
To ensure the safety of autonomous vehicles, the government will implement a vehicle approval system and independent incident investigation function. Companies operating under the new regulations will be required to meet ongoing obligations to guarantee the safety of their self-driving vehicles. The U.K. aims to position itself as a leader in the autonomous vehicle industry by prioritizing safety and innovation.