Consultation launched on ALKS automated lane control technology

ALKS (Automated Lane Keeping System), which is likely to be available in cars entering the UK market from Spring 2021, will allow motorists to delegate the task of driving to the vehicle for extended periods of time.

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The driver will have to resume driving control when prompted by the vehicle and part of the consultation will gather evidence from industry on whether the self-driving technology should be legally defined as an automated vehicle. If so, the technology provider would be responsible for the safety of the vehicle when the system is engaged.

The call for evidence also seeks views on government proposals to allow the safe use of this system on British roads at speeds of up to 70mph.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “Automated technologies for vehicles, of which automated lane keeping is the latest, will be life-changing, making our journeys safer and smoother than ever before and helping prevent some 47,000 serious accidents and save 3,900 lives over the next decade.