The distant driving of automobiles from abroad, reminiscent of for the supply of rental automobiles, may very well be banned following a government-commissioned overview.
The overview was carried out by the Regulation Fee of England and Wales, which beneficial ministers regulate the know-how.
It’s at present used solely in managed environments, reminiscent of farms and warehouses, however future functions may search to increase its use within the UK to the supply of rental automobiles.
The know-how permits for automobiles to be managed remotely, probably in public areas. There may be at present 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 applicable worldwide agreements are in place”.
It advised ministers that distant driving in public must be allowed provided that firms obtained particular permissions.
The overview additionally said {that a} distant driver must be liable for their actions in the identical approach as somebody sitting behind the wheel of a car, however there must be no legal responsibility for faults past their management, reminiscent of 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 automobiles on UK roads we should deal with security issues via robust regulation.
“Our recommendation concludes that within the speedy time period, the federal government would be capable to deal with 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 supplied that their techniques are secure.
“In the long run, it may arrange a full system of distant driving regulation. Rules should reply to different elementary issues round safety threats and legal responsibility within the occasion of an accident.
“Our recommendation paper units out a highway map for a way the federal government can deal with 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 enormous potential to supply new companies and security options for highway automobiles.
“The federal government wants to make sure that security is on the forefront of using any new know-how, and the division will rigorously take into account the Regulation Fee’s suggestions.”
Final 12 months, the fee additionally beneficial that customers of self-driving automobiles ought to have immunity from a variety of motoring offences, together with harmful driving, dashing and leaping pink lights.
