Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the AI Opportunities Action Plan, published on 13 January 2025, whether the plan will help support the introduction of regulations on UK-based self-driving vehicle companies.

The 2025 AI Opportunities Action Plan (the Plan) supports the introduction of regulations on UK-based self-driving vehicle companies. The Plan notes the role self-driving vehicles play in contributing to the UK’s position as an AI superpower, including UK AI company Wayve securing over $1 billion investment to develop the next generation of AI-powered self-driving vehicles in 2024.

Following Royal Assent of the Automated Vehicles (AV) Act, our world-leading work on the safe implementation of automated vehicles on our roads presses ahead with a suite of consultations to enable implementation of the AV regulatory framework in 2027. The AV implementation timeline is designed to prioritise the development of a regulatory framework that maximises innovation, public safety and strengthens public confidence. Alongside developing our domestic regulations, we are playing a leading role in work to harmonise international rules on self-driving, which will enable our companies to export globally. This work is anticipated to complete in early 2027.

We are considering options as to possible routes to enabling advanced trialling and early commercial pilots to be deployed in advance of full implementation of the AV Act, working with industry to explore what they need and how to deliver this within existing legislation. We've established an industry working group to help facilitate this.