The UK’s transport minister, Mark Harper, suggests that self driving cars could be on British roads by 2026. Currently restricted, the government is working on Automated Vehicles (AV) legislation, aiming to establish a legal framework by the end of 2024.

Harper anticipates a gradual implementation of self-driving technology, with elements of fully autonomous cars introduced by 2026. Despite concerns about accidents, he emphasizes the technology’s focus on enhancing road safety.

Recent incidents in the United States, like General Motors’ Cruise unit removing vehicles after an October accident, have fueled skepticism. To regulate this, the UK introduced legislation in November, planning to hold manufacturers, not owners, legally liable for self-driving car crashes.

The government asserts that this bill aims to safeguard users and foster safety within the growing AV industry. As the legislative process unfolds, the UK positions itself for a transformative era in transportation, with self-driving vehicles potentially becoming a reality within the next few years.

Read more about “A Tesla engineer was fatally injured when a robot malfunctioned in a violent incident.”