Vic receives go-ahead for driverless vehicle trials

Driverless vehicles will be trialled around Victoria, after legislation on automated vehicle technology passed through parliament.

Under the changes to the Road Safety Act, VicRoads will be able to grant permits to individuals or organisations wanting to conduct on-road trials of automated vehicles.

This legislation will encourage national and international industry leaders to develop this emerging technology in Victoria, providing more jobs and opportunities for Victorians.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan has also announced a $9 million grant program for researchers and industry, as part of the Towards Zero Road Strategy and Action Plan.

These grants will support the development of vehicles with connected and automated technology and safety features.

“Automated vehicles are the future of road safety — that’s why we’re investing in trials and giving researchers better access to Victorian roads,” said Donnellan.

Automated vehicles will be a game changer for Victorian roads, initially reducing and ultimately eliminating human driver error.

Under the new laws, all driverless vehicle trials will require a human supervisor to monitor the vehicle from either inside or outside the vehicle.

Once it has been established a vehicle can drive safely, this condition may be removed to allow the vehicle to drive in automated mode in limited circumstances without a supervisor.

“This technology will save lives and make our roads safer for all Victorians,” said Robyn Seymour, VicRoads acting deputy chief executive.

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

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