UK mulls allowing automated driving on roads from next spring

Automated driving at low speeds might be able to make to Britain's motorways as soon as next spring under proposals unveiled Tuesday by the British government, reported Xinhua.

The Department for Transport (DfT) announced a call for evidence on a so-called Automated Lane Keeping System capable of taking vehicle control to make driving safer and easier at low speeds on Britain's motorways.

The call for evidence will seeks views on government proposals to allow the safe use of the automated system on British roads at speeds of up to 70 mph (about 112.65 km per hour).

"When activated, the system keeps the vehicle within its lane, controlling its movements for extended periods of time without the driver needing to do anything," said the DfT in a statement. It added the driver must be ready and able to resume driving control when prompted by the vehicle.

The government is seeking views from industry on the role of the driver and proposed rules on the use of this system to pave the way towards introducing it safely in Britain.

The call for evidence will also ask whether vehicles using this technology should be legally defined as an automated vehicle, which would mean the technology provider would be responsible for the safety of the vehicle when the system is engaged, rather than the driver.