Queen’s speech: Government establishes autonomous and electric vehicle bill

The Government will introduce a new automated and electric vehicle bill, designed make Britain a world leader in future transport technology.

Announced by the Queen in her speech during today’s State Opening of Parliament, the bill will “allow innovation to flourish and ensure the next wave of self-driving technology is invented, designed and operated safely in the UK”.

Plans include supporting the building of infrastructure that supports development and also consumer uptake of electric and autonomous cars.

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This would include investing in technology and requiring the installation of charging points at locations such as motorway service stations and large fuel retailers.

Compulsory motor insurance would also be extended to driverless cars, “to ensure that compensation claims continue to be paid quickly, fairly and easily”.

The Queen announced plans in last year’s speech for the UK to become a world leader in autonomous car technology development.

The Government has since pledged to invest £200 million to the cause, alongside a £600 million investment into low-emissions vehicles. Currently, the UK makes one in five electric cars that are sold in the European Union (EU).

The Government justifies its spending by citing research that shows 85.7% of accident-related injuries are due to human error. It says that the market for automated vehicles in Britain will be worth £28 billion by 2035.

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