Queen's Speech 2016 introduces new legislation for autonomous cars

The legislation will enable driverless cars, already trialled in the UK, to be insured under ordinary policies

The  government has pledged to be at the forefront of technology for transport as part of the 2016 Queen's Speech, which included legislation for autonomous and electric cars.

The legislation will be introduced to enable driverless cars, already trialled in the UK, to be insured under ordinary policies.

The self-driving car market is currently growing at 16% a year and consultants project that it will be worth $42 billion by 2025.

According to chancellor George Osborne, the government sees huge potential in driverless cars. He said: “Driverless cars could represent the most fundamental change to transport since the invention of the internal combustion engine.

"We need to ensure safety, and that's what the trials we are introducing will test. If successful, we could see driverless cars available for sale and on Britain's roads, boosting UK jobs and productivity.”

Philippa Oldham, head of transport and manufacturing at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said: “The Queen’s announcement that the government will bid to ensure the UK is at the forefront of technology for new forms of transport is welcomed.

“The announcement of this Bill enforces the current guidance coming from Office of Low Emission Vehicles and the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles.

“Great Britain has the opportunity to become a global leader in developing autonomous vehicles as we have some of the most open regulation in the world with the Department for Transport issuing its Code of Practice for testing last year.

Following the announcement. Paul Willcox, chairman of Nissan Europe, said: “Any new legislation that supports the adoption and integration of autonomous vehicle technologies, is a positive for the UK.

“Autonomously-equipped vehicles will improve the safety and well-being of drivers, with fewer collisions and reduced traffic congestion. The UK economy can also benefit, by playing a pivotal role in a global industry estimated to be worth £900billion by 2025.”

Gordon Morrison, director of government relations at security software firm Intel Security, also reacted to the announcement. He said: “It is crucial that in its pursuit of innovation, the government doesn’t neglect the security essentials which will guarantee not only the success of these new technologies, but also the safety of its users.

"The government must ensure that, as part of its innovative work with the automotive industry, cyber security remains a top priority.”