In a country where the automotive sector has seen such an impressive renaissance in recent years, it is perhaps no wonder that the UK is embracing the driverless car with gusto.
From January, automated test vehicles will be permitted on our roads, in what Vince Cable and the government hope will be the start of a bright future for a home-grown driverless car industry.
But what issues does the driverless car have to overcome to be a hit? Or simply to be a safe mode of transport? We thought our vehicle recovery customers might like to know.
Firstly, we might ask if Britain's motorists really want to give up driving at all. Many millions love being in control behind the wheel – especially if we are lucky enough to own a high performance vehicle. How many of us want to give up that power and enjoyment? And what are we going to do with all that free time? Check emails? Do even more work?
And then there is the issue of safety. Driverless cars require a very reliable internet connection in order to receive GPS data. If that connection drops out, or is slow, the implications could be very serious – say some commentators. Net neutrality is one big concern; what if some car makers pay internet service providers more in order to secure a faster, more reliable connection? This already happens with some movie streaming services in the USA – who pay more to give their customers uninterrupted access.
If this happened in the realm of the driverless car, those who owned a vehicle from a smaller manufacturer might find themselves more at-risk than those who bought cars from the bigger carmakers.
'Net neutrality' in terms of data types would therefore be a must.
But unless driverless cars are somehow made compulsory in years to come, motorists will still be allowed to vote with their wallets: will they choose the automated car? Or will they stick to the 'old-fashioned' car – and remain in full control behind the wheel?
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