Experts urge caution over ALKS endorsement

The announcement from the Department for Transport sets out how vehicles with Automated Lane Keeping System (ALKS) technology could legally be defined as self-driving provided ‘they receive GB type approval and that there is no evidence to challenge the vehicle’s ability to self-drive’.

Consultation launched on ALKS automated lane control technology

The decision to allow ALKS vehicles on UK roads later this year follows a call for evidence in August 2020.

Designed for motorway use in slow traffic, ALKS enables a vehicle to drive itself in a single lane whilst maintaining the ability to return control to the driver when required. A consultation on The Highway Code rules has also been launched to ensure the first wave of this technology is used safely and responsibly.

In a statement, transport minister Rachel Maclean said: “We must ensure that this exciting new tech is deployed safely, which is why we are consulting on what the rules to enable this should look like. In doing so, we can improve transport for all, securing the UK’s place as a global science superpower.”