Roundup: Britain's Highway Code to be rewritten to pave way for driverless cars

Britain's Highway Code that since 1931 has laid down the rules of the road for tens of millions of motorists is to undergo its biggest ever revision.

Introduced at a time when horses and trams were as common on the roads as motor cars, the code is essential reading for learning drivers as they prepare for their driving tests. But the arrival on the roads of driverless cars means the code book has to be rewritten.

Government officials say as well as needing a strict code to enable driverless cars to be insured, the Highway Code will also lay down the ground rules for the forthcoming generation of vehicles that can make their journeys without the aid of a driver.

On Friday,the government's Driver and Vehicles Standards Agency urged motorists to help formulate the new highway code by having their own say.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has launched a nationwide consultation program to ask motorists for their views on automated and driverless cars being used on Britain's roads.

Under the proposed measures, rules will be changed to allow advanced driver-assisted and automated and driverless cars to be insured for road use.

A spokesman for the agency said: "Cars using advanced driver assistance features to change lanes and park by remote control are expected to be on sale on Britain in the next two to four years. Automated and driverless vehicles are expected to be on the roads any time from the mid 2020's onwards."

"Under proposals, the Highway Code and regulations will be changed to support the safe use of remote control parking and motorway assist features. Insurance law will be changed so that, in future, motorists who have handed control to their self-driving cars can be properly insured."

The DfT say the measures will help Britain lead the way in developing driverless technology.

"The consultation will give everyone a chance to have their say about new vehicle technologies," said a spokesman at the department.

Under proposed new measures, rules will be changed so automated vehicles can be insured for use on the roads.

In addition, the Highway code and regulations will be altered so advanced driver assistance systems that change lanes on motorways and park vehicles by remote control can be used safely.

The spokesman in London added: "The government is determined that Britain leads the way globally in embracing the safe development of driverless technology. Advanced driver assistance systems and 'self-driving' technologies will transform travel helping deliver safer, smoother and smarter road journeys."

James Dalton from the Association of British Insurers said: "The development of automated driving will revolutionize motoring, potentially as important a road safety innovation as the seatbelt. Insurers strongly support the government's ambition of making the UK a world leader in this technology and believe the insurance industry has a key role in helping give consumers confidence in using these vehicles when they become more widely available."

The government consultation period runs until mid-September. The proposed changes to insurance will be brought forward to the British Parliament in a Modern Transport Bill. Endit