Self-driving vehicle consultation opens

Safety, innovation, regulation and accessibility will be at the forefront of the Automated Passenger Services (APS) scheme to allow trials to get underway.

The consultation, which runs until September 28, follows the recent decision to fast-track pilots of self-driving passenger vehicles to spring 2026.

The trials will allow firms to pilot small scale services without a safety driver for the first time – which could be available to members of the public to book via an app – before a potential wider rollout when the Automated Vehicles Act is implemented in full from the second half of 2027.

Future of roads minister, Lilian Greenwood, said: “Self-driving vehicles are one of the most exciting opportunities to improve transport for so many people, especially those in rural areas or unable to drive. We want to work with passengers and industry to make this new form of transport safe and accessible, as we take our next steps towards adoption.

“This technology doesn’t just have the potential to improve transport for millions of people. It will help stimulate innovation, create thousands of jobs and drive investment to put more money in people’s pockets.”

Through the consultation, fleet decision-makers, representative groups, industry stakeholders, trade unions and members of the public will be able to make their views heard and influence future Government policy over a variety of areas critical for self-driving vehicles to run safely and efficiently.