Self-driving revolution to arrive by 2025
The Government has unveiled plans for the widespread roll-out of self-driving vehicles on UK roads by 2025. The proposals, announced on 19 August, aim to spark a ‘transport revolution’ by improving road safety and better connecting communities.
They have been launched alongside a public consultation, which seeks views on how self-driving vehicles can be ‘as safe as a competent and careful human driver’. Transport secretary Grant Shapps, says the benefits of self-driving vehicles “have the potential to be huge”.
Some vehicles with self-driving features could be operating on motorways within the next year, under previously announced plans. Users of these vehicles would still need a valid driving licence, so they can drive on other roads.
Under the new proposals, the Government expects vehicles capable of driving themselves ‘for the whole journey’ to be available by 2025 – and these would not need anyone onboard with a licence. Examples cited include vehicles used for public transport or delivery.
The Government press release mentions no details of self-driving cars available for personal use.
