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02 October 2015 / Lucy McCormick
Issue: 7670 / Categories: Opinion
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Drive me (in the) wild

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Lucy McCormick examines the new code for the testing of driverless cars in public places

During the summer of 2015, the government issued guidance for trials of automated vehicle technologies on public roads or in other public places in the UK. It provides details of recommendations for maintaining safety and minimising potential risks. A range of vehicles is covered, from small automated pods through to cars and HGVs.

Launching the new code, Transport Minister Andrew Jones said: “Driverless cars will bring great benefits to our society and economy and I want the UK to lead the way in developing this exciting technology. Our code of practice clearly shows that the UK is in the best position when it comes to testing driverless cars and embracing the motoring of the future. We now look forward to working with industry to make this a reality.”

The code is timely, given that three trials of autonomous vehicles are already underway in the UK:

  • The GATEway project, which is already testing an autonomous golf-cart-like shuttle in the environs
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