Driverless cars law stalled by general election

Post understands the Vehicle Technology and Aviation Bill will not be pushed through in the ‘wash up’, the period between the date when a general election is announced and when parliament is dissolved.

The Association of British Insurers said it hopes the bill, which includes a provision to extend motor insurance to driverless cars, will still find its way into law.

A spokesman said: “We hope that the new government will still see this as a priority, especially given the public research funding already allocated to it.”

The sentiment was echoed by David Williams, technical director for Axa.

“The [Bill] is a crucial legislative step that needs to be taken if we are ever to bring the full benefit of driverless cars to the public and business community at large,” he said.

“Although it appears that the Bill will not make it through the wash up before Parliament is dissolved, we hope that the huge potential benefits of this technology for society will mean that the new government will continue to support the significant public investment made in this area to date.”

A spokesman for the Department for Transport did not immediately respond to comment.