The Department for Transport (DfT) has launched a consultation on its plans for regulating future self-driving taxi, private-hire and bus-like services.
The Automated Vehicles (AV) Act 2024, which comes into effect in 2027, will introduce 'a targeted regulatory framework for automated passenger services (APS)' through a permitting scheme.
This scheme would form ‘a key legal element’ of how driverless passenger transport services will be regulated once they hit roads in Great Britain, ministers said.
Department for Transport officials added that it 'is intended to be flexible and avoid the various challenges of applying existing legislation'.
It also aims to provide greater regulatory confidence for businesses to deploy services and build an understanding of viable commercial models.
The main goal of the consultation is to find out stakeholders’ opinions on three key questions:
- How self-driving vehicles can be made as accessible as possible for disabled and older people
- How services of self-driving vehicles are approved by councils
- When a permit to operate a service should be varied, suspended, or withdrawn
Future of roads minister Lilian Greenwood said: ‘Self-driving vehicles are one of the most exciting opportunities to improve transport for so many people, especially those in rural areas or unable to drive. We want to work with passengers and industry to make this new form of transport safe and accessible, as we take our next steps towards adoption.’
The consultation will run from today until 28 September 2025. More information on how to participate can be found here.
Image credit: Shutterstock @WD Stock Photos
