UK urged to roll out automated vehicle rules or risk losing £66bn economic uplift

The roll-out of connected and automated mobility (CAM) technology could boost the UK’s economy by £66bn annually by 2040, a report claims.

CAM enables vehicles to drive without human intervention while connecting with each other and surrounding infrastructure.

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the tech could help save 3,900 lives and prevent 60,000 serious accidents. It could also add 342,000 additional jobs, with 12,250 directly in automotive manufacturing, by 2040.

It could give Britons access to lower insurance premiums, with less stressful commutes and greater freedom for those with restricted mobility. Businesses may be able to move goods and perform industrial processes more efficiently.

But SMMT called on the government to introduce new legislation in this parliament or risk losing the potential economic benefits. Boosting the roll-out would help the UK “cement its status as a global leader in this next-gen tech,” it said.

According to the body, public-private investment of more than £600m has already been committed to CAM testing since 2015, but the government and industry need to create the conditions to deploy the technology across passenger cars.

The UK government estimates that automated vehicles will be approved on UK roads within the next year, but new legislation will need to be introduced to account for various legal scenarios.

For example, the transfer of responsibility away from the driver will need to be implemented. If driverless technology is responsible for all driving actions, then an entirely new system for testing whether it is suitable for British roads will need to be developed and made achievable by the manufacturers who take on liability for accidents.

The SMMT report found that implementing CAM tech in on-road passenger services, such as buses, taxis and ride-hailing, could generate a possible annual revenue of £3.7bn. This and off-road logistics, including vehicles used in warehouses, ports and airports, worth £2.3bn per year by 2040, rank as the second and third largest markets.

Some of the earliest deployment opportunities could also be found in the mining and agricultural sectors, given that these environments inherently have little or no public access.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “While fully automated road journeys are still some way off, advances in connected and automated mobility technology means they’re within our future – presenting a significant opportunity to revolutionise transport in the UK.

“Government must work with all stakeholders to implement the necessary framework needed to deliver this exciting revolution swiftly and effectively, ensuring that consumers can reap the lifesaving and cost-saving benefits. Failing to do so risks leaving the UK in the slow lane, jeopardising our competitiveness and impeding growth and job creation.”

In May, Britain’s first autonomous bus service launched to carry passengers across the Forth Road Bridge near Edinburgh.

Image credit | Horiba MIRA