Traffic commissioners have gained new regulatory powers over autonomous HGVs, following successful trials and legislative updates.
- The new Automated Vehicles (AV) Act is projected to unlock vast industry potential, valued up to £42 billion by 2035.
- Traffic commissioners continue to address industry issues, including improper driver engagement, as demonstrated by the Bridgestep case.
- Public inquiries have increased, with significant actions taken against non-compliant operators, underscoring the importance of regulatory adherence.
- Challenges in the industry, including operator misunderstandings about ‘periods of grace’, highlight ongoing oversight needs.
The traffic commissioners have now been empowered with regulatory authority over autonomous heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), marking a step forward in the integration of advanced technology in road transport. Following the enactment of the Automated Vehicles (AV) Act, successful trials of self-driving vehicles progressed, fostering confidence in their safe deployment. This legislative development was accompanied by assurances from the Department for Transport, suggesting that the autonomous vehicle sector could contribute an estimated £42 billion to the British economy and generate tens of thousands of skilled jobs by 2035.
The commissioners have clearly stated their commitment to overseeing the evolution of regulations regarding autonomous vehicles. This follows a comprehensive review conducted over four years by the Law Commissions of England & Wales and Scotland, which provided a legal framework to ensure the safe deployment of these technologies throughout Great Britain.
In addressing the longstanding issue of driver engagement, the traffic commissioners have consistently encountered non-compliance, notably highlighted by the Bridgestep case. This case revealed how some hauliers prefer to employ ‘self-employed’ drivers, contrary to HMRC guidelines and resulting in a lack of operational control over drivers.
The report also revealed a surge in the number of public inquiries, with many cases addressing grave breaches of drivers’ hours regulations. An investigation by West Midlands TC, Miles Dorrington, was noted as particularly severe, uncovering numerous offences by an operator.
Moreover, the confusion surrounding the ‘periods of grace’ granted to operators has led to notable lapses in compliance. Such cases include the widely publicised revocation of an Essex council’s licence, which saw its residents temporarily deprived of waste collection services due to the failure to appoint a transport manager within the stipulated timeframe.
Throughout 2023-24, there were a total of 842 public inquiries across all traffic areas, with significant punitive outcomes for non-compliance. Revocations accounted for nearly a third of these cases, underscoring the imperative of adhering to established transport regulations.
These developments underscore the critical role of regulation in ensuring the safe and effective deployment of autonomous vehicle technology.
