CLASSICS TO SHARE ROADS WITH AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES
Government wants to hear your thoughts on new trials
The Government is calling on classic fans to share their views on how older cars will interact with semi-autonomous vehicles on the nation’s roads.
The Department for Transport (DfT) wants your help in getting new software designed to keep cars in their lanes and has sought the help of the classic vehicle movement in working out how classic cars will interact with autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles.
The consultation runs from 17 August-26 October and a document, produced by the DfT and Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV) is available online with details of how to submit evidence.
Classic car lobbyists such as the Federation for British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) remain concerned that autonomous systems will force noncompliant older cars off the road.
FBHVC communications director, Wayne Scott, said: ‘We will always come at autonomous technology from the point of view of ensuring that the needs of non-autonomous historic vehicles are considered from mutual road usage, freedom of movement and safety points of view. We don’t seek to hinder new developments in technology, but will be ensuring that historic vehicles can exist alongside them safely and unhindered.’
Automated Lane Keeping Systems (ALKS) are to operate below 40 mph with suitably connected vehicles, and have already received the backing of Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps MP.
A DfT spokesperson said: ‘ALKSs are designed to detect any type of vehicle in their proximity, irrespective of their age. The purpose of the consultation is so that the public can feed in any concerns they may have about the system.
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