Automated And Electric Vehicles Bill Published

The Government has published its hotly awaited Automated and Electric Vehicles Bill. The draft legislation was introduced to the House of Commons on 18 October and the second reading begins today (23 October).

The provisions largely mirror an earlier version of the bill, the Vehicle Technology and Aviation Bill, which was abandoned due to the general election. Although slightly behind schedule, the legislation will pave the way for driverless vehicles to be tested on UK roads by 2019.

The Bill, which is based on insurance industry proposals, proposes to extend compulsory motor insurance to include the use of autonomous vehicle. The Bill maintains a single insurer model, where a motor insurer covers both the driver's use of the vehicle and the autonomous vehicle technology.