Britain edges towards full legalisation of self-driving cars

Westminster plans to allow self-driving cars on roads of the UK by 2021

The Tesla logo is seen on a car at Tesla Motors' new showroom in Manhattan's Meatpacking District in New York City, U.S., December 14, 2017. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid
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British drivers will soon be allowed to let their cars park themselves following a revision of the country's highway code proposed by the government.

Self-driving cars will be permitted on roads of the United Kingdom by 2021.

Currently, drivers who use the automatic parking function on their vehicles run the risk of fines. Many luxury car brands offer remote-control parking but drivers cannot use it without running foul of the law.

A consultation document issued by the department for transport is looking at whether hand-held devices such as a phone should be allowed to activate remote-control parking. Such technology can assist drivers with reduced mobility.

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The document suggested adding a rule to the highway code: "You can park your vehicle via remote control, using a legally compliant parking application or device in an appropriate way which does not endanger others."

Transport minister Jesse Norman said: “The government is determined that Britain should lead the way in embracing the safe deployment of new vehicle technology.

“Features such as remote-control parking and motorway assistance have the potential to transform car travel, adding greater convenience and accessibility to drivers, so that they can park and drive with more confidence.”

Mike Hawes, chief executive at industry body the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said: "We welcome the government’s continued commitment to keep the UK at the forefront of connected and autonomous vehicle development and rollout.”