Committee's verdict on driverless cars

The parliamentary Industry, Innovations, Science and Resources Committee has tabled a report into social issues surrounding driverless road vehicles in Australia.

The report makes 10 recommendations to the government, including facilitating and encouraging trials of automated vehicles in Australia.

In addition, the National Cyber Security Strategy should be amended to investigate potential vulnerabilities related to automated vehicles, the report states.

The committee has also called on the government to establish a working committee with industry and academic stakeholders to identify industry needs regarding the development of autonomous vehicles and related services.

Based on feedback received during consultations, the committee has also recommended that the government consider how autonomous vehicles can help meet the needs of Australians who are elderly, have disabilities or live in regional or rural areas.

Finally, the report calls for the government to consider establishing either a dedicated national body or cross-agency taskforce to work with the states and territories and vehicle and software manufacturers to coordinate Australia’s preparation for autonomous vehicles.

“As so many of the committee’s witnesses told us, people need to feel that automated vehicles are safe, that their privacy is safeguarded and that all legal questions are resolved before there will be general social acceptance of automated vehicles,” committee chair Michelle Landry said.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/ktsdesign

Follow us and share on Twitter and Facebook