Arms-free driving could soon be a possibility as consultation on the tech commences | Science & Tech Information

The sight of cars driving down motorways with no palms at the wheel could quickly be a fact, immediately after the authorities announced a consultation into fingers-cost-free know-how.

A connect with for evidence into Automatic Lane Trying to keep Programs (ALKS) has been issued by the Office for Transport (DfT), to see if the technological innovation would be workable on the UK’s streets.

ALKS can regulate the movement of vehicles at reduced speeds, and preserve them in lane for prolonged periods of time right until the driver is prompted to get handle.

The DfT mentioned that it could be supplied the go ahead for speeds of up to 70mph, building prolonged stretches of tedious highway far more workable for motorists.

It is considered ALKS and equivalent techniques could reduce 47,000 critical accidents and help save virtually 4,000 lives about the subsequent ten years, according to the Society of Motor Makers.

The United Nations Financial Commission for Europe (UNECE), of which the British isles is a member, has already accredited the technology, and could be out there by subsequent spring.

The consultation will goal to listen to from the British motoring industry to see how the technological innovation can be securely put in location, and get the job done out whether the driver, or the provider of the technology, would be dependable for safety while the procedure is in use.

The call for proof closes on 27 October this calendar year.

Rachel Maclean, transportation minister, stated: “Automatic technologies could make driving safer, smoother and simpler for motorists and the Uk should really be the initially place to see these advantages, attracting companies to establish and exam new technologies.

“The UK’s function in this space is globe main and the final results from this contact for proof could be a sizeable action ahead for this remarkable know-how.”

Edmund King, AA president, claimed: “Over the very last 50 yrs, main-edge in-vehicle engineering from seat belts to airbags and Abs has aided to conserve hundreds of lives.

“The Govt is proper to be consulting on the most up-to-date collision-avoidance process which has the possible to make our roads even safer in the potential.”