NMC fears for rider safety as the government fast-tracks self-driving taxis
The NMC has urged the government to get its new self-driving vehicle plans right, as it could pose a risk to motorcycle rider safety.
The government’s plan to roll out its autonomous buses and taxi plans could be fast-tracked by a year, meaning we could see self-driving vehicles arrive in the UK in 2026, but the decision has caused concern among some groups, including the National Motorcyclists Council (NMC).
The plan would see members of the public able to book the self-driving vehicles via an app, with the government citing increased investment opportunity and greater technology as part of the idea behind this move.
It also says that nearly 40,000 jobs could be created as part of the Autonomous Vehicle (AV) act, while also claiming that roads ‘could be safer’ and billions could be raised. The new plan is being fast-tracked for the spring of 2026.
Businesses will be able to use ‘small scale’ taxi and bus-like services without the need of a safety driver for the first time. A wider rollout is then planned when the Automated Vehicles Act becomes law during the second half of 2027.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “The future of transport is arriving. Self-driving cars could bring jobs, investment, and the opportunity for the UK to be among the world-leaders in new technology.
“With road safety at the heart of our pilots and legislation, we continue to take bold steps to create jobs, back British industry, and drive innovation to deliver our Plan for Change.”
However, this move has caused concern in some circles, including motorcycle groups, with the NMC urging the government to get ‘this right’.
The group has called on the government not to carry out its plans to fast-track the initiative until a full set of motorcycle safety precautions is in place.
The NMC believes risk could be caused to motorcyclists and vulnerable road users unless the automated vehicles can safely prove they are capable of identifying and responding to motorcycles.
NMC Executive Director Craig Carey-Clinch said: “It is essential that the Government gets this right. A thirst for growth cannot come before safety, particularly for the most vulnerable on the UK’s roads and ‘fast tracking’ inevitably means compromises. We urge the Transport Secretary to carefully consider her next steps and not fast track pilots before the Statement of Safety Principles is fully developed and implemented to a proper timescale under the AV Act.”
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After graduating with a sports journalism degree, Robert joined Crash.net to lead the WorldSBK coverage in 2021, while also providing MotoGP coverage. Fulfilling that role for over three years, Robert was able to put his knowledge about all things racing to the test.
