United Kingdom: Opened Call for Evidence on Automated Vehicles Bill

On 6 March 2024, the UK House of Commons Public Bill Committee opened a call for evidence on the Automated Vehicles Bill until, at the latest, Committee's report deadline on 18 April 2024. The Bill aims to establish a framework to enable the deployment of self-driving vehicles. The Department for Transport and its agencies will be given the authority over self-driving vehicles and will ensure that standards are met. Furthermore, the companies will be held accountable if they fail to meet the safety requirements. In addition, the Bill gives individuals immunity from prosecution while driving, but non-driving obligations such as maintenance will still be the responsibility of the individual. Finally, Digitalise Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) will be established, which will include the development of a digital map of the road network to support the operation of self-driving vehicles.