That’s right, although the use of mobile phones whilst in safe-driving mode will be illegal it WILL be legal to watch content not related to driving on built-in display screens whilst self-driving mode is enabled. If the thought of sitting back and watching your favourite movie whilst a computer controls your car appeals to you, the future looks very good.
We’re likely to see the controversial tech rolled out on our motorways first. Vehicles fitted with Automated Lane Keeping System (ALKS) technology controlling cars in a single lane up to a speed of 37mph (for use in congestion/slow-moving traffic). The tech is ‘assistive’ meaning drivers currently always remain able to take back control and be responsible (in a similar way to how you drive on cruise control).
This is just the first phase of changes to the Highway Code to allow the use of specific features of self-driving vehicles. The interim measures will allow Government to move forward with plans to have a self driving framework in place by 2025. Self driving will help keep people, goods and vehicles moving in a safer, greener, more efficient way. The tech is said to improve safety by reducing human error, a contributory factor in 88% of all recorded road collisions.
Self-driving tech could help reduce urban congestion by vehicles and traffic lights ‘speaking’ to each other to keep traffic flowing ‘Nooo, don’t change you bastard!’ It can also improve access to vehicles for people with disabilities.
Mike Hawes, SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) Chief Executive, said:
“Amending the Highway Code to reflect the pace of technological change will help clarify what motorists can and can’t do when a self-driving feature is engaged, so promoting its safe use.
“The technology could be available in the UK later this year and, with the right regulations in place, consumers are set to benefit from safer, more efficient journeys while the UK will strengthen its position as a global leader in the deployment of self-driving technology.”
Let us know in the comments section below what you think about sharing the roads with self driving vehicles. Will you be happy to filter down the motorway knowing you’re relying on a computer to keep you from harm.
The world’s gone mad (it has been for years) ..if viewing the tv screen the driver ,sorry erm erm pilot realy will not have a fast reaction time if needed in overriding the autonomous system
Welcome to the world of tomorrow!
Roads will soon be the preserve of the wealthy in their e-vehicles with AI chauffeur, venturing out from the safety of one walled community going to another and the Proles simply priced off the roads. We will only be able to cycle, walk or risk poor quality and over priced public transport. Soaring fuel costs, banning of new ICE vehicles, Emission/Congestion Zones, road tolls, increasing parking fees, GPS speed limiters, sound cameras for loud exhausts, facial recognition cameras and police drones in the countryside…technology is enslaving us and our politicians of all colours and the woke police are revelling in the control they have over us. Who is challenging this dystopian Brave New World we are edging towards? Nobody. Ironically, we are currently in a proxy war with what we are told is an oppressive authoritarian state, yet our own government seeks to control us in the same way totalitarian Russia or China controls its own populace: technological surveillance, behavioural monitoring and Social Credit. This cannot be the future! Can it?