New Measures Support Self-Driving Cars and Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
New insurance regulations for autonomous vehicles and initiatives to improve the availability of electric vehicle charging points were unveiled on February 22, 2017, as part of the Vehicle Technology and Aviation Bill. The government hopes these measures will solidify the UK’s position as a global leader in transport technology by easing barriers to testing and adoption.
Insurance Framework for Autonomous Vehicles
A key component of the bill addresses insurance for self-driving cars. This legislation aims to provide improved protection by implementing a single insurance product for automated vehicles. The new policy will provide coverage for a motorist during manual driving as well as for the car when operating autonomously. This initiative ensures that individuals injured in collisions involving automated vehicles will have simplified and expedited access to compensation.
The measures are a direct result of a consultation by the Department for Transport on the insurance for self-driving cars, which concluded in September 2016. The Secretary of State will be granted the authority to classify vehicles as ‘automated’ and subject to the new insurance requirements.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling stated, “Automated vehicles have the potential to transform our roads in the future and make them even safer and easier to use, as well as promising new mobility for those who cannot drive. But we must ensure the public is protected in the event of an incident and today we are introducing the framework to allow insurance for these new technologies.”
David Williams, Head of Underwriting at AXA UK, highlighted the positive implications, noting, “This is a positive step forward that provides clarity to insurers to ensure we design our products appropriately. It keeps protection of the general public at its heart which we hope will encourage early adoption of some really impressive technology. The vast majority of accidents are caused by human error and we see automated vehicles having a massive impact, reducing the number and severity of accidents. As well as making our roads safer, insurance premiums are based on the cost of claims and therefore we expect substantially reduced premiums to follow.”
Boosting Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
Additional provisions in the bill focus on improving infrastructure for electric vehicles, facilitating their growth. Motorway service areas and large fuel retailers could be mandated to provide electric charging points and hydrogen refueling stations under the proposed legislation. Furthermore, the measures aim to ensure open access to information on the location and availability of charging stations, alongside streamlining the use of different charging networks.
These initiatives originate from a public consultation on enhancing charging infrastructure. John Hayes, Minister of State for Transport, commented, “If we are to accelerate the use of electric vehicles we must take action now and be ready to take more action later. I recognise that to encourage more drivers to go electric, the infrastructure needs to become even more widespread than the 11,000 charging points already in place and more straightforward. We are determined to do all we can to make electric vehicles work for everyone and these new laws will help make this a reality.”
The bill also introduces an updated regulatory framework for diversionary courses—also known as speed awareness courses—offered by the police as an alternative to fixed penalties for minor motoring offenses. The new statutory system will emphasize local accountability and financial transparency in their operations, including a cap on fees.
