Automated vehicles: the law

摘要

OVER THE PAST YEAR WE HAVE SEEN MAJOR ADVANCES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF AUTOMATED - OR DRIVERLESS - VEHICLES. NOW, AS THE UK GOVERNMENT LOOKS TO BECOME A WORLD LEADER IN THE SECTOR, THE RACE IS ON TO ROLL OUT THE FIRST AUTOMATED HGVS - BUT WHO WOULD BE LIABLE IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT? ANTON BALKITIS, FROM LAW FIRM ROTHERA SHARP, LOOKS AT THE LATEST PROPOSED LEGISLATION AND HOW IT COULD IMPACT THE LOGISTICS INDUSTRY. There is no doubting the government's commitment to automated vehicles, and in the coming years it wants to see the technology being harnessed for both domestic and commercial purposes. Lower emissions and fuel costs, along with increased safety, are expected to bring enormous benefits to the economy and environment, while also helping to reduce the number of accidents on the road.