• Transport

  Road safety watchdogs urge caution against ‘unrealistic expectations’

  Posted by Unknown Member on 30 April 2021 at 12:01 pm

  The UK government has been accused of adding to the “confusion and frequent misuse” of assisted driving technology after its transport department green-lit the use of self-driving cars offering hands-free capability on motorways.

  By year’s end, vehicles with automated lane-keeping systems (ALKS) will be permitted on UK motorways with slow-moving traffic, at speeds of up to 37 miles per hour (or about 60 kph), the Department for Transport (DfT) announced on Wednesday.

  Transport Minister Rachel Maclean called it a “major step” for self-driving vehicles in the UK, saying it would make future journeys “greener, easier and more reliable.” Consultations on rules to ensure safe use are ongoing, she added.

  The move would make the UK the first country to regulate the use of self-driving vehicles – but already road safety experts and automobile insurers are weighing in to urge caution.

  Noting that ALKS are simply “assisted driving systems”, Matthew Avery, research director at vehicle safety testers Thatcham Research, said, “By calling ALKS automated our concern is that the UK Government is contributing to the confusion and frequent misuse of assisted driving systems that have unfortunately already led to many tragic deaths.”

  “There is still a lot of work needed by both legislators and the automotive industry before any vehicle can be classed as automated and allowed safely on to the UK roads,” Avery added.

  The UK are so stupid they do not follow incidents around the world before putting British people at risk.

  Unknown Member replied 3 years ago 1 Member · 0 Replies
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