Government launches consultation on safety framework for self-driving vehicles
The government has launched a public consultation on proposed safety principles for self-driving vehicles, marking the latest stage in the development of a regulatory framework intended to support the introduction of automated vehicles on UK roads.
image: Vicki Sharp Photography (@Interchange)
The consultation, led by the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV), seeks views from members of the public, industry organisations, local authorities, accessibility groups and road safety bodies on the draft Statement of Safety Principles that will underpin the future approval and monitoring of self-driving vehicles. The consultation will run until 9 September 2026.
The proposed framework forms part of implementation of the Automated Vehicles Act 2024 and is intended to establish the safety standards automated vehicles will be required to meet before being authorised for use. According to the government, self-driving vehicles will need to achieve a safety performance standard higher than that of the average human driver, with the principles expected to guide decisions on both initial deployment and ongoing oversight.
Ministers have said the consultation is intended to support a gradual and controlled introduction of the technology while maintaining confidence in safety standards. The government says with drivers currently contributing to 88% of reported road collisions, technology could cut out human error altogether. Automated vehicles could also improve mobility and accessibility, particularly for older people and some disabled users.
Furthermore, the government has pointed to the potential for automated vehicles to support economic growth and the development of a domestic autonomous vehicle sector. Previous government estimates suggested the sector could create up to 38,000 jobs and contribute £42bn to the UK economy by 2035.
The latest consultation follows the launch of a self-driving vehicle pilot programme in London earlier this year designed to allow controlled trials of taxi, private-hire and bus-style autonomous services. Operators participating in those schemes are required to demonstrate that systems meet safety and cybersecurity requirements before vehicles can be used on public roads.
Research commissioned by the government has previously suggested that public confidence and understanding are likely to play a significant role in the long-term adoption of self-driving technologies. Studies have indicated that perceptions of safety, transparency and accountability may influence how quickly the technology is accepted beyond initial pilot deployments.