Customers of self-driving automobiles will be capable to watch movies on the motorway beneath deliberate modifications to the Freeway Code, though it is going to stay unlawful to make use of cell phones.

The replace, proposed by the Division for Transport (DfT), will permit these within the driver’s seat to make use of a automobile’s built-in screens to look at motion pictures and TV programmes.

The brand new guidelines additionally state that insurance coverage corporations can be financially liable, quite than particular person motorists, for accidents in self-driving automobiles.

Nevertheless, these behind the wheel have to be able to resume management of the automobile when they’re prompted – reminiscent of once they method motorway exits. These measures have been described as an interim measure by the federal government to help the early deployment of self-driving automobiles.

Though there aren’t any automobiles at the moment accepted for self-driving on roads within the UK, the primary might be accepted later this yr. The introduction of the expertise is more likely to start with automobiles travelling at gradual speeds on motorways, reminiscent of in congested site visitors.

In April 2021, the DfT stated it might permit hands-free driving in automobiles with lane-keeping expertise on congested motorways. Current expertise, together with cruise management and computerized cease/begin, is assessed as being “assistive”, that means that customers should stay absolutely in management.

Trudy Harrison, a transport minister, stated the updates have been the results of a public session, and could be a “main milestone in our protected introduction of self-driving automobiles”, which might “revolutionise the best way we journey”.

She added: “This thrilling expertise is creating at tempo proper right here in Nice Britain and we’re guaranteeing we’ve robust foundations in place for drivers when it takes to our roads.

“In doing so, we may help enhance journey for all whereas boosting financial development throughout the nation and securing Britain’s place as a worldwide science superpower.”

Steve Gooding, the director of the pro-motoring thinktank RAC Basis, stated: “The Freeway Code has been up to date numerous instances in recent times to mirror the quickly altering transport world we dwell in, and these newest additions will assist us all perceive what we should and should not do as we transfer ahead to an atmosphere the place automobiles drive themselves.

“The ultimate a part of the jigsaw is to make sure these amendments are extensively communicated to, ​and understood by, automobile homeowners. Automobile producers and sellers can have a significant position to play in guaranteeing their prospects absolutely admire the capabilities of the automobiles they purchase and the principles that govern them.”

Earlier this yr, the Legislation Fee of England and Wales and the Scots Legislation fee printed a joint report, which advisable the introduction of a brand new Automated Autos Act.

The proposals for the act could be that when a automobile is authorised to be “self-driving”, and people options are in use, the consumer would not be answerable for how the automobile drives, however quite the corporate which obtained the authorisation would. Subsequently, the consumer could be unable to be prosecuted for offences that come instantly from the driving, and so could be resistant to offences that embrace harmful driving.

The UK, Scottish and Welsh governments are deciding whether or not to just accept the report’s suggestions and convey them into laws, with the governments anticipating to have a full regulatory framework in place to help the widespread deployment of driverless automobile expertise by 2025.