King's Speech: What is the Automated Vehicles Bill?

This week, in what was his first King's Speech, King Charles introduced an Automated Vehicles Bill (AV). One of 21 priority bills set out by the Government.

But what is the Automated Vehicles Bill?

Put simply, the Government hopes to launch a "transport revolution". Their aim is to achieve this by facilitating the use of self-driving vehicles. With the main priority to establish a comprehensive legal framework for such vehicles.

The Core of AV Bill: Safety and User Protection

From the details released so far via the government website, the AV Bill’s legal framework will have safety and protection of users at it's core.

This new safety framework will achieve this in 3 key ways:

• Ensure clear liability for the user - by making companies responsible their self-driving vehicles.

• Set the safety threshold for legal self-driving - whilst giving Government the tools it needs to enforce standards.

• Establish a regulatory scheme - ensuring only vehicles that meet rigorous self-driving standards can be marketed in such a way.

Self-Driving Regulatory Standards: A Closer Look

All self-driving vehicles will be required to undergo robust safety testing before permitted for use on UK roads. But it won't end at entry into the market.

Manufacturers who achieve such status will have an ongoing obligation to ensure that their vehicles are safe. Making sure  that they continue to function and operate in accordance with the new British laws.   

Economic Impact: AV Bill’s Growth Potential by 2035

Early estimates have reported that the legislation could boost the sector's growth potential. Adding a market worth of £42 billion and generating over 38,000 skilled jobs by the year 2035.

According to the Bill, the focus is on making transportation safer. As well as more convenient and accessible. The hope is to address and reduce the 88% of accidents caused by human error - such as drink driving, speeding and driver fatigue.

It is also hoped this will help to "better connect rural communities, improving access to essential services and reducing isolation".

Transport Secretary's Vision: Safety at the Heart of AV Plans

In a recent statement, the Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, said:

"Our new Bill ensures safety is at the heart of our plans to see self-driving vehicles on our roads, making the UK a great place to develop this technology.

"We have the opportunity to put the UK at the forefront of a fast-growing, multi-billion-pound industry by providing the clarity and certainty for business to develop and invest in this exciting technology."

International Thought Leadership and the AV Legislation

The legislation has come from international thought leadership on the subject. Aiming to address the need to update laws to realise and keep up-to-date with the benefits of self-driving technologies.

It includes recommendations which have come from four-year review by the Law Commission.

Something which has seen 3 rounds of public consultation and large amounts of feedback from both individuals and relevant organisations.

Department for Transport's New Powers: Ensuring Compliance

The bill would grant new powers to the Department for Transport to authorise self-driving vehicles. As long as compliance with safety standards are met.

Companies who produce these new vehicles, will face accountability for safety. With fines and suspension of operation for those who are not compliant.

Mapping for Self-Driving Support

The legislation also aims to digitalise Traffic Regulation Orders. Essentially creating a digital map for self-driving vehicle support - with details such as where to park.

In regards to road infrastructure and road safety, Edmund King, AA president, said:

“The plans to introduce self-driving vehicles provide the opportunity for more efficient travel, but safety must be paramount when rolled out onto UK roads.

“Vehicle technology to improve road safety can be designed into cars more quickly, reducing the likelihood of crashes, the workload of the emergency services, and avoidable casualties.”

Liability in Collisions Involving Self-Driving Vehicles

To ensure clear legal liability, the bill designates companies, not individuals, responsible. While driving autonomously.

The legislation also provides immunity from prosecution for individuals when a self-driving vehicle is in control. Instead, focusing on the company's accountability.

It clarifies liability in collisions involving self-driving vehicles, addressing concerns about determining responsibility.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said:

“While the concept of truly driverless vehicles being commonplace on our roads might still a little sci-fi to the average driver, there is no doubting the need for this bill. The technology is moving at pace and it’s vital the UK isn’t left behind.

“However, if we’re ever to truly realize the benefits of autonomous technology we have to sort out the state of our roads once and for all.

“It’s hard to fathom how driverless cars will be able to safely navigate our streets when so many road markings are faded, and then there’s the prospect of vehicles getting needlessly damaged by the UK’s pothole plague as they surely won’t be programmed to avoid them.”

Self-driving vehicles & tyres

As with any other types of vehicle on the road, self-driving vehicles will require tyres. Tyres specifically designed for their unique needs.

These tyres will be required to handle the demands of autonomous driving such as:

• Providing traction and grip in all weather conditions
• Assisting in the sensing and reaction to road hazards
• Handling the weight of self-driving vehicles. Which, like EVs, are often heavier.
• Communicating with other vehicles and infrastructure.

This is not a new concept. As such, tyre manufacturers are already developing tyres for self-driving vehicles. This Automated Vehicles Bill is expected to accelerate the process.

With the bill provide a clear regulatory framework for the safe deployment of self-driving vehicles. Giving tyre manufacturers the confidence to invest in new technologies and products.

Here are some specific examples of how tyres could be impacted by the Automated Vehicles Bill:

Tyre development: manufacturers will need to invest in R&D to develop tyres specifically designed for self-driving vehicles. This could lead to new designs, materials, and manufacturing processes.

Tyre replacement: self-driving vehicles are likely to be used more intensively. So their tyres could, in theory, need more safety checks and maintenance. If this is not done, an increase in demand for tyres from the aftermarket sector could be seen.

Tyre maintenance: As mentioned above, self-driving vehicles will need to have their tyres regularly maintained. To ensure their safety and performance. This could lead to new opportunities for tyre service providers.

Fostering Innovation and Safety with AV Legislation

Overall, the Government reports that the legislation aims to foster innovation. Whilst also ensuring the safety of individuals and establishing a clear legal framework.

If all this is achieved it could herald the development and operation of self-driving vehicles in the UK. Putting the UK at the forefront of a new driving revolution.