Drivers in fully autonomous cars will be able to watch television on built-in infotainment systems under proposed changes to the Highway Code. The changes to the code will help ensure the first wave of technology will be used safely, explaining that while travelling in self-driving mode, motorists must be ready to resume control in a timely way if they are prompted to – such as when they approach motorway exits.

The plans change current regulations, allowing drivers to view content that is not related to driving on built-in display screens, while the self-driving vehicle is in control. It will, however, still be illegal to use mobile phones in self-driving mode, given the greater risk they pose in distracting drivers, as shown in research.

The government is continuing to develop a full legal framework for self-driving vehicles to enable the safer and greener movement of people and goods in the UK. The Department for Transport will also work with industry, regulators and safety organisations to ensure drivers can access information, including online, to help them use the vehicles safely.

Transport Minister Trudy Harrison said:

“This is a major milestone in our safe introduction of self-driving vehicles, which will revolutionise the way we travel, making our future journeys greener, safer and more reliable. This exciting technology is developing at pace right here in Great Britain and we’re ensuring we have strong foundations in place for drivers when it takes to our roads. In doing so, we can help improve travel for all while boosting economic growth across the nation and securing Britain’s place as a global science superpower.”

The DfT has pledged to work with industry, regulators and safety organisations to ensure drivers can access information, including online, to help them use the vehicles safely. The Government is keen to stress the benefits of self-driving technology in cars, buses and delivery vehicles, which it says could spark the beginning of the end of urban congestion, while also improving road safety across Britain by reducing human error – a contributory factor in 88% of all recorded road collisions. The technology could also improve access to transport for people with mobility issues and lead to more reliable public transport services.

Conversely, distraction is the cause of around one in seven accidents on UK roads, according to Department for Transport figures. It was also the main causing factor in a quarter of road deaths in 2018.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) was cautious in its approval of the changes. Rebecca Needham, RoSPA’s Road Safety Manager, England, said:

"RoSPA has concerns about the announcement that drivers will be able to view content that is not related to driving on built-in display screens, while the self-driving vehicle is in control. In particular, we are still concerned about the driver becoming distracted if they use the vehicle infotainment system to watch films or sports on an in-vehicle television screen, reply to messages or interact with media or written content. However, we do recognise the long-term merits of this technology. A proportion of drivers already carry out distracting activities occasionally without realising the extra risk that it causes. Eating, drinking or making adjustments to the infotainment system are examples of activities that drivers may do without always contemplating the risks involved.

“When the self-driving system is engaged, this could give the driver the opportunity to undertake these brief tasks that they would normally have done while driving, in a manner that would be safer than if they were fully in control of the vehicle, but still be in a position to respond promptly to a transition demand. RoSPA believes this is one of the benefits of automated driving systems and we are ultimately optimistic that this technology could potentially improve the safety of vehicle occupants and other road users. As these systems are developed, the details of how they operate and are used is absolutely critical to get right.

“RoSPA is pleased that it has been decided that it will still be illegal to use mobile phones in self-driving mode, given the greater risk they pose in distracting drivers as shown in research. The information in the Highway Code will play a vital role in educating road users about the capabilities and limitations of early automated driving technologies, such as Automated Lane Keeping System (ALKS). Although drivers and riders are encouraged to keep updated with changes in the Highway Code, unfortunately we must recognise that many drivers may not have referred to it since passing their driving test.

“RoSPA strongly recommends that the wording in the Highway Code be complemented by direct driver education and training to include the requirements for engaging the system, how to perform the process, the role and responsibilities of the driver during operation and the procedure of handing back control to the driver. All drivers need to know how to recognise a vehicle operating autonomously and how it will respond in any given situation, such as if a driver falls asleep at the wheel or is “cut-up” by another driver. The detail of the operation of these systems is complex and systems authorised for use must be strictly controlled before they are allowed to be implemented. For example, we don’t know the effect on the driver of watching television and speaking using hands-free.”