The King’s Speech in November brought attention to an important legislative update which will oversee the gradual introduction of driverless vehicles on a national scale. Mark Trimbee, CEO of personalised number plate supplier Regtransfers, emphasises the gravity of this move, highlighting the shift in accident liability from users to manufacturers in cases involving pedestrians. He also notes the essential safety considerations that must precede a widespread rollout of this technology.
The UK is set to establish itself as a leader in the rapidly expanding autonomous vehicle industry, thanks to the introduction of the Automated Vehicles Bill. This bill represents more than just technological progress; it signifies a focused strategy on safety to ensure the prudent implementation of driverless cars.
Through this bill, the government seeks to capitalise on the untapped potential within the autonomous vehicle sector, potentially providing a substantial boost to the UK economy. The market for these vehicles is anticipated to be worth £42 billion, with the potential to foster 38,000 skilled jobs by 2035. Such economic movement would mean a significant step in the UK’s leadership in this fast-paced area.
Emphasising Safety and Manufacturer Responsibility
The primary focus of this legislative update is on enhancing safety. The new framework assigns accountability to manufacturers for the performance of their self-driving vehicles, aiming to elevate transport safety and efficiency and positively impact countless lives across the UK.
Addressing Present and Future Concerns
Despite the promising direction of this legislation, several pertinent issues need addressing. These include the risk of cybersecurity threats with the potential for driverless vehicles to be hacked, and the ethical considerations in complicated traffic situations. Moreover, the considerable initial investment for these vehicles and the likelihood of machine errors are vital factors to consider.
Cybersecurity Risks
As automated vehicles become part of our everyday lives, unique cybersecurity challenges emerge. The dependence of these vehicles on computer systems exposes them to hacking risks, which could have severe implications. The danger of mass cyber-attacks is particularly concerning if a large number of these vehicles use the same network.
High Cost of Entry
While autonomous vehicles offer numerous benefits, their initial cost is notably high. In the UK, vehicles with autonomous driving features are currently priced above £50,000, placing them out of reach for many. Nonetheless, as technological progress continues, it is anticipated that these costs will reduce, making these vehicles more accessible to the general public.
Ethical Questions
The advent of driverless vehicles raises complex ethical issues, especially in situations where safety decisions are not clear-cut. The decision-making software in these vehicles, faced with choosing between two potentially harmful outcomes, places manufacturers in a sensitive ethical position.
Potential for System Errors
Like all technological advancements, autonomous vehicles are susceptible to system faults. Dependence on automated systems amplifies the risk of errors that could endanger both passengers and pedestrians, possibly leading to severe incidents like system malfunctions or battery-related fires.
Recent Safety Updates
The autonomous vehicle sector has recently been in the spotlight due to safety concerns. Last year saw around 400 accidents involving self-driving systems. Issues experienced by vehicles, particularly in General Motors’ Cruise division, included susceptibility to hacking and problems recognising certain hazards. These issues necessitated a substantial recall for software updates, casting doubt on the current maturity of this technology.
Conclusion
Despite these issues, the introduction of the Automated Vehicles Bill has received positive reactions from the Transport Committee MPs, indicating a growing consensus on the need and careful rollout of this technology. As the UK advances into this new phase of transportation, maintaining a balance between innovation, safety, and ethical responsibility is key. The future for autonomous vehicles in the UK is promising, but it requires meticulous planning to ensure a successful, beneficial, and safe integration of this cutting-edge technology.
