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Amendments to pave the way for autonomous vehicles are welcomed by Logistics UK
Logistics UK has welcomed the changes planned for The Highway Code, confirmed by the Department for Transport (DfT) last week (20 April 2022), which will set the framework for the first wave of autonomous vehicle technology.
These changes will clarify drivers’ responsibilities in self-driving vehicles, including when a driver must be ready to take back control, for example when exiting a motorway.
The introduction of the technology is likely to begin with vehicles travelling at slow speeds on motorways, such as in congested traffic. While the self-driving vehicle is in control, DfT also plans to allow drivers to view non-driving related content on screens. It will still be illegal to use mobile phones in self-driving mode, however, owing to their potential to distract drivers.
Phil Lloyd, Head of Engineering Policy, Logistics UK, said: “These amendments to The Highway Code are a significant milestone in the UK’s journey towards a self-driving future. Given the accelerated pace of development of this technology, Britain’s first vehicles approved for self-driving could be ready for use later this year.
“Self-driving technology has been discussed in detail at Logistics UK’s Engineering Forums and Innovation Working Group, and our members’ feedback has been invaluable in informing our response to DfT’s consultation. We will continue to engage closely with DfT and the motoring agencies to ensure that the voice of the logistics industry is heard during the development and deployment of this radical technology.”
*https://logistics.org.uk/membership/logisticsuk-councils/engineering-forums
Published On: 28/04/2022 16:00:32
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