The UK government is calling for the logistics industry’s views on the use of automated vehicles on motorways.
The Call for Evidence, launched by DfT today, will focus on the Automated Lane Keeping System (ALKS) - which can take over control of the vehicle at low speeds, keeping it in lane on motorways.
The technology is expected to be available in cars entering the UK market from Spring 2021.
ALKS is designed to enable drivers to delegate the task of driving to the vehicle. When activated, the system keeps the vehicle within its lane, controlling its movements for extended periods of time without the driver needing to do anything. The driver must be ready and able to resume driving control when prompted by the vehicle.
The government is seeking views from industry on the role of the driver and proposed rules on the use of this system to pave the way towards introducing it safely in the UK, within the current legal framework.
The Call for Evidence will ask whether vehicles using this technology should be legally defined as an automated vehicle, which would mean the technology provider would be responsible for the safety of the vehicle when the system is engaged, rather than the driver.
The Call for Evidence also seeks views on government proposals to allow the safe use of this system on British roads at speeds of up to 70mph.
Transport minister Rachel Maclean said: “Automated technology could make driving safer, smoother and easier for motorists and the UK should be the first country to see these benefits, attracting manufacturers to develop and test new technologies.
“The UK’s work in this area is world leading and the results from this Call for Evidence could be a significant step forward for this exciting technology.”
SMMT welcomed the move. Chief executive Mike Hawes, said: “Autonomous vehicle technologies, of which automated lane keeping is the latest, will be life-changing, making our journeys safer and smoother than ever before and helping prevent some 47,000 serious accidents and save 3,900 lives over the next decade.
“This advanced technology is ready for roll out in new models from as early as 2021, so today’s announcement is a welcome step in bringing the regulation up to speed so that the UK can be among the first to grasp the benefits of this road safety revolution."
