Self-driving cars will roam Britain’s roads “by 2026” as new autonomous vehicle bill becomes UK law – The US Sun

Autonomous vehicles could be on UK roads by 2026, according to the government.

The Automated Vehicles Act means that drivers will not be held responsible for the action of a vehicle in autonomous driving mode.

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Insurance companies, manufacturers and software developers will be responsible when something goes wrong.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said the landmark legislation means autonomous engines could be rolled out in Britain “as early as 2026”.

He added: “This new law is a milestone for our autonomous vehicle industry, which has the potential to change the way we travel forever.”

The Department for Transport (DfT) said the legislation provides “the most comprehensive legal framework of its kind anywhere in the world”.

But he stressed that autonomous engines must achieve a level of safety at least as high as that of “careful and competent human drivers”.

The government has previously said that 88 percent of accidents involve human error.

Trials of autonomous vehicle technology are underway across the UK, such as by Wayve in London and Oxa in Oxford.

Technology is expected to increase productivity across society.

Mike Hawes, CEO of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said the new law was a “watershed moment”.