Wednesday 11 February 2015
Environment Department response to media enquiry from Guernsey Press.
Guernsey Press Enquiry:
In regard to our conversation, can the department please answers the following questions:
Will the department be launching a review of road laws to see if driverless cars can be allowed in Guernsey? If so, what is the time frame, and if not, why not?
What potential problems does the department see in introducing the technology?
Will it provide any funding to set up trials in the island? If so, how much?
Would the department ever look to introduce the technology to the island, possibly for public transport, or does it believe the technology is not right for the island?
What laws would have to be changed to allow such vehicles in the island and is changing them a priority for the department?
Please add any other commentary you wish to.
If you could respond today by 4pm, I would be grateful.
Environment Department Response:
Driverless vehicle technology has been pioneered in various guises around the world for several years. Whilst the idea of truly driverless cars circulating on public highways is likely to be a considerable way off, many existing manufacturers have been introducing more and more automated technology (such as park assist, lane assist, adaptive cruise control etc) to help assist with driver safety and these measures are becoming increasingly popular on new vehicle models.
The UK Government recently introduced a review of the legislative and regulatory framework required to enable cars with advanced autonomous safety systems to be tested on UK roads as it recognised that there would be a number of issues that would need to be addressed both now and in the longer-term once such technologies were proven; including a review of driver testing and licensing requirements, vehicle manufacturing and in service (roadworthiness) standards and product liability in the event of an accident.
The Environment Department currently has no intention of becoming involved in the testing of such technology as it simply could not justify such involvement in terms of funding or priority and does not possess the knowledge/expertise that larger jurisdictions have in order to properly assess all the risks, issues and legislative provisions that would need to be addressed.
In order for the Department to consider prioritising such work and buying in any necessary expertise to deal with the licensing and construction and use legislation requirements, the island would need to have agreed that the business case existed such that it was economically desirable to diversify the islands business and lead in this technology sector. It is not part of the Departments mandate to drive forward such business diversification.
Contact Information:
Karl Guille, Traffic and Transport Services Manager
Environment Department
Tel: 243400
