The distant driving of autos from abroad, resembling for the supply of rental vehicles, could possibly be banned following a government-commissioned evaluation.
The evaluation was carried out by the Regulation Fee of England and Wales, which really useful ministers regulate the know-how.
It’s presently used solely in managed environments, resembling farms and warehouses, however future purposes may search to increase its use within the UK to the supply of rental vehicles.
The know-how permits for autos to be managed remotely, doubtlessly in public areas. There’s presently no UK regulation for a driver to be within the car they’re controlling.
The fee stated “difficulties in enforcement” meant distant driving from abroad must be prohibited “till acceptable worldwide agreements are in place”.
It instructed ministers that distant driving in public must be allowed provided that firms obtained particular permissions.
The evaluation additionally said {that a} distant driver must be liable for their actions in the identical manner as somebody sitting behind the wheel of a car, however there must be no legal responsibility for faults past their management, resembling connectivity failures.
Nicholas Paines KC, the general public regulation commissioner, stated: “Distant driving is an thrilling know-how, however earlier than we see remotely operated vehicles on UK roads we should tackle security issues by sturdy regulation.
“Our recommendation concludes that within the instant time period, the federal government would have the ability to tackle some gaps within the regulation round distant driving utilizing current powers, whereas additionally offering a path for firms to make use of the know-how lawfully offered that their methods are secure.
“In the long term, it may arrange a full system of distant driving regulation. Laws should reply to different elementary issues round safety threats and legal responsibility within the occasion of an accident.
“Our recommendation paper units out a street map for a way the federal government can tackle these issues, while additionally encouraging firms to innovate.”
The transport minister Jesse Norman stated: “Distant driving is already being efficiently used off-road in a number of industries and has big potential to offer new providers and security options for street autos.
“The federal government wants to make sure that security is on the forefront of the usage of any new know-how, and the division will rigorously think about the Regulation Fee’s suggestions.”
Final 12 months, the fee additionally really useful that customers of self-driving vehicles ought to have immunity from a variety of motoring offences, together with harmful driving, rushing and leaping pink lights.
