ALISTAIR Coe is releasing an exposure draft to allow for the testing of autonomous vehicles in the ACT.

“Autonomous vehicles are an exciting and innovative development,” Alistair said.

“Self-driving cars are being developed and refined across the world. Companies such as Google, Tesla, Volvo, Hyundai, General Motors, Ford and Mercedes-Benz, to name a few, are investing in the development of autonomous vehicle technology.

“We are only a few years away from having commercially available autonomous vehicles.

“The legislation I am releasing today will provide for the safe testing and development of autonomous vehicles in the ACT.

“The exposure draft is based on similar legislation which has been enacted in South Australia and some areas of the United States. The United Kingdom also allows for the trialling of autonomous vehicles, as well as a generous research and development fund.

“Canberra’s disperse population and well developed road network makes it a good place to trial autonomous vehicles.

“Autonomous vehicles have the potential to provide many benefits including increasing safety on the roads, increasing social inclusion and increasing fuel efficiency. A report from the Department of Infrastructure found that autonomous vehicles also have the ability to ease congestion on our roads.

“This legislation will pave the way for the future,” Mr Coe concluded.

[Photo by Michael Shick – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0]