Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Richard Burden (Labour) on Wednesday, 24 January 2018, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 29 January 2018. It was answered by Jesse Norman (Conservative) on Tuesday, 30 January 2018 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Driverless Vehicles

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the findings of KPMG's Autonomous Vehicles Readiness Index, published in January 2018, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that UK roads are ready for autonomous vehicles.

Answer

The Department welcomes publication of the KPMG index, which ranks the United Kingdom in the top five nations for overall autonomous vehicle readiness. The index reflects our excellence in technology and innovation and highlights the very strong industry partnerships and academic research this Government has established, as well as our exemplar status in terms of regulation.

The more moderate perceived performance in enabling autonomous vehicle infrastructure is due, largely, to a low overall score for 4G coverage. Although substantial improvements in 4G coverage have been achieved recently, reliable coverage across our road networks is a Government priority, demonstrated by the 2017 Conservative manifesto commitment to improve coverage on major roads as well as railways. The Department continues to work closely both with the Government’s Digital Implementation Taskforce to ensure delivery of this commitment, and with the industry to determine what the enabling requirements for automated vehicles will be.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
124598
Session
2017-19
Subjects
Roads Repairs and maintenance Driverless vehicles
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk