The United Kingdom is poised to introduce self-driving vehicles on its roads as soon as 2026, following the enactment of the Automated Vehicles Act into law. The legislation, which received Royal Assent, formalizes the UK’s commitment to embracing autonomous vehicle (AV) technology.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper hailed the new law as a significant milestone, stating, “Britain stands at the threshold of an automotive revolution and this new law is a milestone moment for our self-driving industry, which has the potential to change the way we travel forever.”
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The AV Act is seen as the most comprehensive legal framework of its kind globally, setting a high standard for the safe deployment of AVs. Under the law, drivers will not be held responsible for their vehicle’s actions while in self-driving mode, shifting liability to insurers, software developers, and automakers.
To ensure safety, self-driving vehicles must meet or exceed the safety standards of human drivers and undergo rigorous safety checks. The law also establishes a comprehensive vehicle approval system supported by an independent investigation process for accidents involving AVs.
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While the UK has not progressed as rapidly as other countries in AV testing, several high-profile programs have demonstrated progress. Oxa, formerly Oxbotica, conducted Europe’s first fully autonomous vehicle test in Oxford in 2022, while Wayve has tested self-driving cars in London. Ford also became the first to be approved to offer “hands-off” driver assistance tech in the UK on its Mustang Mach E model in 2023.
The Department for Transport (DfT) emphasized the safety benefits of AVs, citing human error as a factor in 88% of road collisions. The DfT estimates that the AV industry could be worth up to $53.3 billion and create 38,000 skilled jobs by 2035.
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The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), representing automakers in the UK, welcomed the new law. SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes described it as a “watershed moment for UK automotive innovation and road safety,” emphasizing the industry’s commitment to collaborating with the government to enable the safe commercial rollout of self-driving vehicles.
