Traffic Jam Chauffeur technology to be allowed on UK motorways later this year

Self-driving car enabling drivers to take their eyes off the road and their hands off the wheel could be permitted on UK motorways later this year.

The Department of Transport (DTI) announced it will allow hand-free driving in vehicles with lane keeping technology on motorway with slow traffic speeds of upto 37mph.

So Automated lane-keeping system ( ALKS) could legally be used by a driver not paying attention, as it is designed to constantly monitor speed and keep a safe distance from other road users, normally through the use of cameras and sensors. In the event  the system detects an imminent collision risk it will carry out an emergency manoeuvre which could involve braking or a change of direction or lane. The DTI describes ALKS as Traffic Jam Chauffer technology.

Transport minister Rachel Maclean said “this is a major step for the safe use of self-driving vehicles in the UK, making future journeys greener, easier and more reliable while also helping the nation to build back better. But we must ensure that this exciting new technology is deployed safely, which is why we are consulting on what the rules to enable this should look like. In doing so we can improve transport for all, securing the UK’s place as a global science superpower”.

Tesla autopilot system enables a car to steer, accelerate and brake automatically within its lane, but currently requires active driver supervision.