RAC comments on Government's driverless cars report

Commenting on a new report commissioned by the Government on how autonomous cars could improve traffic flowRAC spokesman Rod Dennis said:

“While we are still a long way from autonomous vehicles being commonplace on our roads, this report is useful in modelling what the advantages could be as the technology takes off.

“The report recognises that only when there is mass take-up of connected and autonomous vehicles will the benefits relating to traffic flow really kick in. According to the most recent RAC Report on Motoring, 58% motorists believe that fully autonomous vehicles will only outnumber conventional ones by 2050 - and of course there will a period of time with a mixture of both types of vehicles on the road.

“But modelling aside, drivers need to be convinced that a future with autonomous cars is going to be worth waiting for. The Report on Motoring research suggests that motorists will need reassurance about driverless vehicle software reliability, and only 25% agreed that driverless cars will actually reduce the number of traffic jams on our roads.

“Reports like this make a strong case for the Government’s emphasis on making the UK a leader in driverless vehicle technology, but deeper engagement with motorists on the benefits driverless vehicles could bring will also be crucial to encourage their adoption.”

Press office team

Press office team

For journalist enquiries only

Share

Latest stories

Website preview
RAC and RSTA call on Government to mandate preventative road maintenance training 
The RAC and the Road Surface Treatments Association (RSTA) have today written to the Government calling on it to introduce mandatory training for councils who carry out little or no maintenance to prevent potholes forming.
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
Fuel prices fall in August after two months of rises - but drivers continue to pay over the odds at the pumps
Average pump prices fell by less than a penny in August ending two months of rises, new analysis by RAC Fuel Watch has found.
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
Drivers divided on how to tackle pavement parking in England – but most want action
UK Government due to announce next steps on tackling problem pavement parking in England
media.rac.co.uk

Get updates in your mailbox

By clicking "Subscribe" I confirm I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy.

About RAC Media Centre

The RAC Media Centre provides journalists and news outlets with the latest motoring-related news, comment, data and research.

The RAC is an iconic UK brand, and provides complete peace of mind to 15 million UK private and business drivers - whatever their motoring needs. As well as its premium nationwide breakdown assistance service – with an expert branded patrol workforce attending more than two million breakdowns every year – and European breakdown assistance products, it offers a wide range of market-leading products across insurance, legal services, vehicle inspections and service, maintenance and repair. Included in this is the first-of-its-kind nationwide Mobile Mechanics service which brings the garage to homes and workplaces. 

At the forefront of new solutions for business fleets and consumers, the RAC’s breakdown service is electric-ready with mobile EV charging technology and be called on using myRAC – its all-in-one route planner, fuel finder and breakdown reporting app

Contact

press.office@rac.co.uk

media.rac.co.uk