MPs launch investigation into self-driving vehicles

This will include assessing safety issues and the perception of safety, considering the relationship with other road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and users of conventional vehicles. The committee will analyse the progress of research and trials into autonomous and connected vehicles in the UK and overseas, and the likely uses of them for private motoring, public transport and commercial driving. Required changes to regulations such as the vehicles' legal status, insurance and authorisation processes will also be investigated. Fully driverless cars are not yet legally permitted in the UK, but autonomous features are being developed by car makers. The Highway Code will be updated on Friday to state that users of self-driving cars will be allowed to watch television programmes and films on built-in screens, but using a phone will remain illegal. The code, which contains advice and rules for people on Britain's roads, will also state that users will not be responsible for crashes, with insurance companies liable for claims.