Driverless cars on Britain’s roads by the end of 2019?

Should driverless cars be on Britain’s roads by the end of the year?

 

Fully driverless cars are expected to take to Britain’s roads by the end of the year under Government plans for full trials with no human control, scrapping the requirement for a dedicated safety driver.

 

The Department for Transport has announced changes to allow the first advanced trials on any public road of self-driving vehicles without a steering wheel or human in control.

 

Research suggests that self-driving vehicles could slash emissions and improve traffic flow. Though critics claim that there is much more work to be done to make the vehicles safe enough to operate without a driver.

 

The Government is to publish a new Code of Practice for automated vehicle trials, imposing tough safety standards.  The new rules require a safety driver to be in constant operation – either inside the vehicle or via remote control.  The rules state that the driver should be “ready and able to override the vehicle”.

 

However, the Department for Transport are currently working on plans for “advanced” trials – trials of self-driving vehicles with no safety driver or remote operator.

 

Is this technology ready to be released onto Britain’s roads without an operator in control?  Is this technology going to put people’s lives at risk? Click to read the full version of this article, published via Richard Dawson on LinkedIn.

 

 

 

Richard Dawson is an expert trial lawyer, specialising in road traffic law.  Richard has a nation-wide client base and undertakes work throughout the UK.  A road traffic specialist with more than 15 years of experience representing those accused with driving offences, Richard particularly deals with offences arising from serious road accidents.  His wealth of knowledge and skill in this highly specialised area is best demonstrated by his track record of successfully defending drivers charged with causing death and/or catastrophic injuries. 

Click here to view Richard Dawson’s profile, along with most recent case examples.  

To instruct Richard, please contact a member of the clerking team on 0161 870 5701.