UK government launches competition to boost self-driving vehicles

The UK government has launched a £40 million (US$50 million) scheme to kick-start commercial autonomous vehicle (AV) services, such as delivery vehicles and passenger shuttles.

The Commercialising Connected and Automated Mobility competition will provide grants to help roll out commercial self-driving vehicles across the UK from 2025.

UK Transport Minister Trudy Harrison said: “We know that self-driving vehicles have the potential to revolutionise the way we travel, making our future journeys cleaner, easier and more reliable. But our absolute priority is harnessing the technology to improve road safety.

“With around 88 percent of road collisions currently caused by human error, this funding will drive the introduction of new technology to improve travel for all, while boosting economic growth and highly skilled jobs across the nation.”

New industry

The government claims the competition can “unlock a new industry” that could be worth £42 billion to the UK economy by 2035, and potentially create 38,000 new skilled jobs.

£1.5 million of the funding will be used to study and explore using self-driving vehicles as a means of public transport that could provide an alternative to mass transit systems.

This includes using self-driving vehicles on routes separated from other traffic that could be cheaper and more flexible than new railway lines.

The first vehicles to be listed as self-driving in the UK – vehicles approved under the Automated Lane Keeping System (ALKS) Regulation – could be available for the general population to purchase, lease or rent later this year.

Vehicles will first have to undergo testing and will only be permitted to drive themselves when they have met stringent standards.

Driving entertainment

Last month, an update to the UK’s Highway Code set out that users of self-driving cars will be able to watch films on the motorway – though it will remain illegal to use mobile phones.

The update, proposed by the Department for Transport (DfT), will allow those in the driver’s seat to use a car’s built-in screens to watch films and TV programmes.

Those behind the wheel must be prepared to resume control of the vehicle when they are prompted, such as when they approach motorway exits.

New rules also state that insurance companies will be financially liable, rather than individual motorists, for accidents in self-driving cars.

Commenting on the new competition, Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said: “Self-driving vehicles offer major benefits to society – improving road safety, supporting new jobs and economic growth, and enabling greater mobility for everyone – so the UK is rightly seeking to be at the forefront of this technological evolution.

“Recent regulatory reforms have helped Britain establish itself as a leader in the rollout of self-driving passenger vehicles, and today’s announcement is a significant step towards self-driving public transport and goods delivery services becoming a reality.

“This new funding competition will help drive innovation and, potentially, private investment in UK automotive, ensuring cutting-edge self-driving technology finds a clearer path to UK roads.”

Image: Aurrigo