Law commissions launch second driverless cars consultation

Law commissions launch second driverless cars consultation

Caroline Drummond

A consultation has been launched by two law commissions on how completely automated trips might be supplied to the public in vehicles that can travel empty or only with passengers and no driver or user-in-charge.

The Law Commission of England and Wales and the Scottish Law Commission are reviewing driving legislation to prepare for the introduction of self-driving vehicles on UK roads.

The benefits of self-driving vehicles could include:

  • Reduced congestion as people share self-driving vehicles and use them in combination with existing public transport.
  • Improved safety; through sensors, data sharing, safer driving behaviour and faster-than-human reaction times, highly automated road passenger services (HARPS) could substantially reduce the number of people killed on British roads.
  • Increased accessibility for older people and disabled people; HARPS could provide accessible services that are more affordable than current alternatives. This could allow older people and disabled people, especially those on low incomes, to travel more.
  • Reduced car parking that can allow space currently ceded to parking to be reclaimed, for example for cycle lanes.

On the other hand, there are potential challenges that may arise from the introduction of these vehicles if effective regulation is not in place. These include:

  • Traffic being blocked, if a self-driving car freezes when confronting unexpected weather conditions or unknown obstacles (including, possibly, leaves or plastic bags).
  • Reduced accessibility for those who rely on a driver to assist them, for example by helping them into the vehicle or accompanying them from their door.
  • Increased congestion if many self-driving vehicles are introduced before private car use has reduced. This will be compounded if HARPS drive around empty, waiting to be utilised.

The law commissions’ consultation paper asks a series of questions to examine the types of changes that may be required to regulate HARPS. These include:

  • Whether HARPS should be subject to a new, single, national system of operator licensing?
  • If so, what obligations should fall on HARPS operators? For example, we consider obligations relating to maintenance, remote supervision and the reporting of accidents.
  • Who should these obligations fall on when a passenger-only vehicle is privately-owned?
  • How can we ensure that HARPS are accessible?
  • What regulatory tools should be used to control congestion and cruising?
  • How should HARPS be integrated with public transport?

Nicholas Paines QC, commissioner at the Law Commission of England and Wales, said: “Self-driving cars have the potential to revolutionise mass transit by enhancing safety, efficiency and accessibility.”

“Responses to our consultation are vital for ensuring that our proposed regulatory framework will allow the full potential of self-driving cars to be realised, and we hope as many people as possible will respond.”

Caroline S Drummond, commissioner at the Scottish Law Commission, said: “Our aim is to ensure that these new self-driving cars are safe and can help to meet the objectives set by local and central government.”

“Self-driving vehicles could make a particularly big difference for people who are currently unable or unwilling to drive. It is essential that the views of disabled and older people are considered from the start. We invite views from a wide range of stakeholders on how such services should be regulated to achieve these aims and benefit society as a whole.”

Click here for more information on the consultation

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