In DfT's call for evidence (August 2020), they sought views on proposed changes to The Highway Code designed to enable the safe use of automated vehicles. Generally, these changes intended to ensure that fair delegation of the human driver to the automated vehicle was balanced against the residual responsibility of that driver to respond to a transition demand.

This consultation specifically seeks views on the wording changes for The Highway Code. The proposed changes to wording in The Highway Code are: 

Automated vehicles can perform all the tasks involved in driving, in at least some situations. They differ from vehicles fitted with assisted driving features (like cruise control and lane-keeping assistance), which carry out some tasks, but where the driver is still responsible for driving. If you are driving a vehicle with assisted driving features, you MUST stay in control of the vehicle.

Automated vehicles are vehicles that are listed by the Secretary of State for Transport. While an automated vehicle is driving itself, you are not responsible for how it drives, and you do not need to pay attention to the road. But you must follow the manufacturer’s instructions about when it is appropriate to engage the self-driving function.

If the vehicle is designed to require you to resume driving after being prompted to, while the vehicle is driving itself, you MUST remain in a position to be able to take control. For example, you should not move out of the driving seat. You should not be so distracted that you cannot take back control when prompted by the vehicle.

You are still responsible for the vehicle being in a roadworthy condition, having a current MOT test certificate if applicable, and being taxed and insured.

If you have any comments to the proposed changes please let CIHT know on CIHT Connect. Please note that you have to be a CIHT Member to log in and you have to enable the Road Safety Group by following the steps outlined here.