suggested modifications to road legislations that would see motorists enabled to take their hands off the steering wheel as well as eyes off the road at as much as 70mph “will put UK motorists’ lives at risk”, according to security experts. 
The government is consulting on whether vehicles with an Automated Lane keeping System, or ALKS, can be utilized with very little human input at speeds as much as 70mph from spring 2021. The step comes as the UK tries to setting itself at the forefront of autonomous automobile technology, with ministers wanting the UK to be “the very first country to see these benefits, drawing in makers to establish as well as test new technologies.”
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Drivers would potentially be enabled to enjoy films on in-car infotainment screens when the vehicle is taking over driving responsibilities, however motorists would have to be prepared to step in if the system encountered an problem it might not handle. These limitations, as well as others, have triggered Thatcham research study to alert that it “has severe security concerns” about the proposals.
“The Government’s plan threatens road safety,” Thatcham’s director of research, Matthew Avery, says. “UK insurers as well as Thatcham truly support automation”, he continues. “Proper automation is what we want. This is not appropriate automation. This does not replace a competent human driver. If you requirement the motorist to save the day, you can’t let the motorist do anything that distracts them.”