Fears that motorway drivers could be put in danger from the introduction of autonomous systems designed to keep vehicles in lane have been voiced by research centre Thatcham and the Association of British Insurers.

They say that Government proposals to introduce automated technology as soon as next spring must be revised. A call for evidence around the use of automated lane keeping systems on British motorways closed yesterday.

“The Government's plan threatens road safety,” said Thatcham Research director Matthew Avery.

“Motorists could feasibly watch television in their car from early next year because they believe their automated lane keeping system can be completely trusted to do the job of a human driver."

“But that’s not the reality. The limitations of the technology mean it should be classified as ‘assisted driving’ because the driver must be engaged, ready to take over.”

Association of British Insurers director James Dalton added: “Drivers must not be given unrealistic expectations about a system's capability. We strongly believe the timings for the introduction of automated lane keeping should be revised to prevent lives being put at risk.”

Thatcham Research identified several scenarios where it says technology will not respond in the same way as a competent driver on a UK motorway. Automated lane keeping systems may not, it fears, spot debris in the carriageway or pedestrians emerging from a broken down vehicle.

On smart motorways, it adds, automated lane keeping systems may not recognise a closed lane with a red ‘X’ on a gantry and break the law, creating an additional hazard.

Matthew Avery added that today's radar sensors are only able to monitor a relatively short distance up the carriageway, up to around 120m. At motorway speeds that distance allows only four seconds for a motorist to take back control. But drivers are said to need more than 15 seconds to properly engage and react appropriately to a hazard – 500m more than today's technology provides.

“Our conclusion is automated lane keeping system technology is not safe enough to be classified as automated. We believe it should be regarded as assisted technology because the driver needs to remain alert,” he adds. “The Government's proposed timeline for the introduction of automated technology must be revised. It simply isn't safe enough and its introduction will put UK motorists’ lives at risk.”

A spokesman for the Department for Transport said: “We have some of the safest roads in the world and we are always looking at ways to make them safer."

"We are currently consulting on how this new technology could be used safely on our roads.”

It added that all contributions to the call for evidence will be fully considered, helping to inform the development of Government proposals.