Skip advert
Advertisement

Laws needed for remote control driving on UK roads

Legal experts recommend a new regulatory framework for ensuring the safety of remote controlled vehicles on the road

Remote controlled car

The Government should take action to regulate the use of remotely operated vehicles in the UK, the Law Commission has said. The independent body, which advises the Government on legal matters, is looking into the issue of remotely piloted vehicles. These are already in use on farms and in warehouses, but trials have been conducted looking at their application on the road in future.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Law Commission has highlighted that there are currently no laws prohibiting the driver of a vehicle from being beyond the line of sight and has recommended that this be addressed in the short term with legislation preventing vehicles from being remotely operated on the public highway.

Under this legislation, the Law Commission suggests that organisations wishing to trial such technology on the road could apply to the Vehicle Certification Agency for permission to do so once they have submitted a safety case.

In the longer term, licences specifically for remote driving would be required, the Law Commission says. Due to a lack of enforcement powers, a ban on vehicles being remotely operated from abroad is also recommended.

Broadly, the Law Commission argues that remote drivers should be subject to the same penalties as those physically behind the wheel in the event of an incident. It says, however, that incidents arising from problems beyond the driver’s control – such as connectivity issues or faulty equipment – should be blamed on remote driving companies rather than individual drivers. Victims of any incidents involving a remotely driven vehicle, meanwhile, should be awarded no-fault compensation.

Public law commissioner Nicholas Paines KC said: “Our advice concludes that in the immediate term, the Government would be able to address some gaps in the law around remote driving using existing powers, while also providing a path for companies to use the technology lawfully provided that their systems are safe. In the longer term, it could set up a full system of remote driving regulation.

“Regulations must respond to other fundamental concerns around security threats and liability in the event of an accident. Our advice paper sets out a roadmap for how the Government can address these problems, whilst also encouraging companies to innovate.”

Transport minister Jesse Norman said the Government would “carefully consider” the Law Commissions proposals.

Click here for our list of the best electric cars on sale...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

‘Secret’ UK courts are fast-tracking speeding fines say magistrates
Speed camera van window
News

‘Secret’ UK courts are fast-tracking speeding fines say magistrates

New guidance from Magistrates’ Association calls for reform and aims to expose ‘secret’ Single Justice Procedure system
26 Mar 2024
Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay
Road tax documentation
News

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay

Drivers with newer cars can expect to be paying roughly £10 more per year, a although the biggest gas guzzlers will fare the worst
26 Mar 2024
Low on stock: Only 1-in-10 UK supermarkets offer electric car charging
Polestar 2 and LEVC TX connected to Sainsburys EV chargers
News

Low on stock: Only 1-in-10 UK supermarkets offer electric car charging

A survey by Zap-Map and the RAC reveals only 13% of supermarkets are equipped with EV chargers, despite a 59% increase in the past year
22 Mar 2024
Mis-sold car finance scandal: could you be due compensation?
Missold car finance
News

Mis-sold car finance scandal: could you be due compensation?

Did you buy a car on finance between April 2007 and January 2021? You could be owed thousands!
21 Mar 2024

Most Popular

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay
Road tax documentation
News

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay

Drivers with newer cars can expect to be paying roughly £10 more per year, a although the biggest gas guzzlers will fare the worst
26 Mar 2024
Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power
Dacia Sandero - front
News

Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power

Both the Sandero and Sandero Stepway ranges have been tweaked, gaining more safety features to meet the latest regulations
26 Mar 2024
Huge Audi new car blitz to bring us 9 models in 2 years
Upcoming Audi models - four-way image
News

Huge Audi new car blitz to bring us 9 models in 2 years

After a quiet few years, the German giant is gearing up for its biggest product onslaught to date
25 Mar 2024