The UK government has announced measures to accelerate the rollout of self-driving vehicles, a move that has been welcomed by industry stakeholders such as SMMT, techUK, RoSPA, RoadSafe, RNIB, and Motability Operations. The aim of self-driving technology is to enhance road safety, reduce collisions, and bring about socio-economic benefits.
It is projected that self-driving technology could generate £66bn ($89.4m) in economic benefits and create 342,000 jobs by 2040. The government plans to establish a regulatory framework that will allow organisations to pilot commercial self-driving services starting from 2026. This initiative is expected to spur the development of services that cater to the needs of the British public.
Julian David, chief executive of techUK, expressed optimism about the announcement, stating that the ability to deploy driverless passenger services by 2026 is a significant milestone for the AV and tech sectors in the UK. He emphasized the importance of not falling behind other countries in the advancement of autonomous vehicle technology.
TyreSafe, the UK’s tyre safety charity, also voiced its support for the government’s initiative, highlighting the critical role of tyre safety in ensuring the effectiveness of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). According to recent data, a significant number of MOT failures in 2024 were due to tyre-related issues, indicating a concerning trend of neglecting tyre safety.
Mike Hawes, chief executive of SMMT, lauded the government’s efforts to promote self-driving technology, noting that it will bring about road safety benefits and contribute to the country’s socio-economic development. He underscored the importance of deploying self-driving vehicles in a safe and responsible manner to ensure public access to mobility.
The article also draws attention to the Just Auto Excellence Awards, inviting nominations for the prestigious industry recognition program that celebrates innovation, leadership, and impact in the automotive sector. This presents an opportunity for industry players to showcase their achievements and gain global recognition.
Overall, the government’s push for self-driving technology is seen as a positive step towards realizing the benefits of autonomy in the UK. Stakeholders across various sectors are supportive of the initiative and are looking forward to working collaboratively to make self-driving passenger services a reality in the country.
