The distant driving of autos from abroad, resembling for the supply of rental automobiles, could possibly be banned following a government-commissioned overview.
The overview was carried out by the Regulation Fee of England and Wales, which advisable ministers regulate the expertise.
It’s presently used solely in managed environments, resembling farms and warehouses, however future functions might search to increase its use within the UK to the supply of rental automobiles.
The expertise permits for autos to be managed remotely, doubtlessly in public areas. There may be presently no UK legislation for a driver to be within the car they’re controlling.
The fee stated “difficulties in enforcement” meant distant driving from abroad ought to be prohibited “till acceptable worldwide agreements are in place”.
It informed ministers that distant driving in public ought to be allowed provided that corporations obtained particular permissions.
The overview additionally said {that a} distant driver ought to be accountable for their actions in the identical means as somebody sitting behind the wheel of a car, however there ought to be no legal responsibility for faults past their management, resembling connectivity failures.
Nicholas Paines KC, the general public legislation commissioner, stated: “Distant driving is an thrilling expertise, however earlier than we see remotely operated automobiles on UK roads we should deal with security considerations by way of robust regulation.
“Our recommendation concludes that within the rapid time period, the federal government would be capable of deal with some gaps within the legislation round distant driving utilizing current powers, whereas additionally offering a path for corporations to make use of the expertise lawfully supplied that their programs are protected.
“In the long run, it might arrange a full system of distant driving regulation. Laws should reply to different basic considerations round safety threats and legal responsibility within the occasion of an accident.
“Our recommendation paper units out a highway map for the way the federal government can deal with these issues, while additionally encouraging corporations 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 providers and security options for highway autos.
“The federal government wants to make sure that security is on the forefront of using any new expertise, and the division will rigorously contemplate the Regulation Fee’s suggestions.”
Final yr, the fee additionally advisable that customers of self-driving automobiles ought to have immunity from a variety of motoring offences, together with harmful driving, dashing and leaping crimson lights.
