Government to allow use of “self-driving” tech on UK roads this year.

28 April 2021

The Government has confirmed it will legalise the use of “self-driving” driver assistance systems before the end of the year.

Under the new proposals, drivers of vehicles equipped with autonomous lane-keeping systems (ALKS), would be permitted to use them at speeds up to 37mph on motorways.

A number of vehicles are already equipped with adaptive cruise control and lane keeping systems that allow them to technically drive themselves in certain situations. But current legislation states that the driver must remain in control at all times.

If the new laws are approved, drivers would no longer have to keep their hands on the wheel or pay attention to the road ahead while the system was active.

For details on the Rules of the safe use of automated vehicles on GB roads please click here.

Comment from the BBC is also available here.