National Police Agency preparing for fully automated driving in limited areas

Japan is considering a system to screen and approve providers of fully automated driving services within limited areas, under the supervision of prefectural public safety commissions, the National Police Agency said Thursday. The agency says it aims to submit an amendment to the road traffic law to parliament next spring, as the government intends to start "Level 4" automated mobility services in designated areas of the country, such as along abandoned railroads, in the fiscal year that runs through March 2023. Operating under Level 4 automation, a vehicle always performs the functions of acceleration, steering and braking, including in emergencies, according to the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry. A government panel that has been discussing the autonomous driving services, and new mobility concepts such as electric scooters, released its final report Thursday, which will serve as a basis for the police agency's amendment bill. According to the agency, the amendment will stipulate that fully automated driving will be allowed only for vehicles operated in designated areas for the purpose of providing mobility services for passengers, instead of private cars.