The UK has set forth legislative changes designed to promote the safe use of self-driving cars.

Under the new regulations, motorists must be ready to resume control of a vehicle in a timely way while travelling in self-driving mode if they are prompted to. This includes when they approach motorway exits.

They will also allow drivers to view content that is not related to driving on built-in display screens while the self-driving vehicle is in control. Drivers will not, however, be able to use mobile phones in self-driving mode, given the greater risk they pose in distracting drivers, according to research.

The planned changes to The Highway Code were confirmed after a public consultation and aim to ensure the first wave of self-driving technology will be used safely. It found the majority of respondents were broadly supportive of the proposed changes to The Highway Code to clarify drivers’ responsibilities in self-driving vehicles.

These comes as the UK Government continues to develop a full legal framework for self-driving vehicles. The Department for Transport will also work with industry, regulators, and safety organisations to ensure drivers can access information, including online, to help them use the vehicles safely.

According to the Government, the first self-driving vehicles could be approved later this year. Vehicles will undergo rigorous testing and only be approved as self-driving when they have met stringent standards.

Transport Minister Trudy Harrison said: “This is a major milestone in our safe introduction of self-driving vehicles, which will revolutionise the way we travel, making our future journeys greener, safer and more reliable.

“This exciting technology is developing at pace right here in Great Britain and we’re ensuring we have strong foundations in place for drivers when it takes to our roads.

“In doing so, we can help improve travel for all while boosting economic growth across the nation and securing Britain’s place as a global science superpower.”

Recommended

• 5 of the biggest cloud security challenges
• LinkedIn tops global rankings for brand phishing attacks
• Funky Pigeon cyber-attack | Here’s what we know so far

As self-driving technology is introduced in the UK, it is likely to begin with cars travelling at slow speeds on motorways, such as in congested traffic.

The government announced in April last year that vehicles fitted with automated lane keeping systems (ALKSs) could be the first example of self-driving technology. Existing technology available on the market is ‘assistive’, meaning drivers must currently always remain in control and responsible.

Designed for use on a motorway in slow traffic, ALKS enables a vehicle to drive itself in a single lane, up to 37 mph, while maintaining the ability to return control easily and safely to the driver when required.

The government expects to have a full regulatory framework in place to support the widespread deployment of the technology by 2025.

The technology could improve road safety across Britain by reducing human error, which is a contributory factor in 88% of all recorded road collisions.

Steve Gooding, Director of the RAC Foundation, said: “The Highway Code has been updated a number of times in recent years to reflect the rapidly changing transport world we live in and these latest additions will help us all understand what we must and must not do as we move forward to an environment where cars drive themselves.

“The final part of the jigsaw is to ensure these amendments are widely communicated to, and understood by, vehicle owners. Vehicle manufacturers and sellers will have a vital role to play in ensuring their customers fully appreciate the capabilities of the cars they buy and the rules that govern them.”

Get the latest news from DIGIT direct to your inbox

Our newsletter covers the latest technology and IT news from Scotland and beyond, as well as in-depth features and exclusive interviews with leading figures and rising stars.

To subscribe, click here.