According to the Department of Transportation (DfT), it will allow hands-free driving in vehicles if certain highway conditions are met.
They must have lane keeping technology and slow traffic at speeds of up to 37 mph.
The ministry explained how a vehicle with an Automated Lane-Keeping System (ALKS) could legally be used by a driver who does not pay attention, provided there is no evidence to “dispute its ability ”to be used independently.
How do automated lane departure systems work?
ALKS technology allows a motorist to relinquish control of his vehicle, even if he must be ready to resume driving at any time.
It works by constantly monitoring speed using cameras and sensors, keeping the car a safe distance from other people on the road.
The system can also detect an “imminent risk of collision” by performing an “emergency maneuver” that may involve braking or a change of direction.
The DfT described the system as “traffic jam driver technology”, saying it could provide a huge boost to safety – with human error “contributes[ing] to more than 85% of accidents ”.
“ We need to make sure this exciting new technology is deployed safely ”
A consultation has been launched on updates to the highway code to ensure safe and responsible use of autonomous systems.
Transport Minister Rachel Maclean said: “This is a major milestone for the safe use of autonomous vehicles in the UK, making future travel greener, easier and more reliable while helping the countries to rebuild better.
“But we need to make sure this exciting new technology is deployed safely, which is why we are consulting on what the rules should look like to allow this.
“In doing so, we can improve transport for all, securing the UK’s place as a global science superpower.”
Self-driving cars that allow drivers to take their eyes off the road and lift their hands off the wheel could be allowed on UK motorways later this year (Philip Toscano / PA)
Some, including AA President Edmund King, have warned of the rushed use of self-driving cars, fearing “that there is nothing more to be done to rigorously test these systems before they are used on UK roads. “.
Recently, concerns about autonomous vehicles were highlighted by the death of two men on April 17 in a collision with Tesla where no one was in the driver’s seat.
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Source: www.times-series.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-04-29 06:00:00
