Automated Vehicles Bill clears Commons hurdle

The legislation is now on the verge of becoming law.
Britain’s roads could soon have self-driving cars on them (PA)
PA Wire
Richard Wheeler1 May 2024
WEST END FINAL

Get our award-winning daily news email featuring exclusive stories, opinion and expert analysis

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

A proposed law paving the way for self-driving cars to be used on Britain’s roads has cleared the House of Commons.

MPs gave the Automated Vehicles Bill an unopposed third reading and it is on the verge of becoming law.

The Bill, which has previously been supported by the House of Lords, aims to set the legal framework for the safe deployment of self-driving vehicles.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper has previously said autonomous cars enabling drivers not to concentrate on the road will be used in the UK from 2026.

Speaking in the Commons on Wednesday, Mr Harper said: “This legislation is part of our strategy to make sure that Britain is at the forefront of this exciting new technology, to make sure that we can create well paid, secure jobs in this country and lead this industry.

“But also to make sure that we have safer roads, with technology that will contribute to an improvement in road safety and continue Britain’s leadership in that position.”

Shadow transport minister Bill Esterson said he could “wholeheartedly agree” with Mr Harper about the “desirability” of the Bill, including the potential to improve road safety and economic opportunities.

A series of Government amendments to tweak parts of the Bill were made in the Commons, meaning peers are expected to give it another look before it clears Parliament.

Create a FREE account to continue reading

eros

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in