UK Parliament passes Automated and Electric Vehicles Act

The Automated and Electric Vehicles Act passed through the UK Parliament yesterday (19 July).

According to a statement issued by the Department for Transport (DfT): “The AEV Act will see a massive improvement in electric chargepoint availability; giving the government new powers to ensure motorway services are upgraded with plenty of points, and even allowing mayors to request installations at large fuel retailers in their areas.”

Specifically, the new laws will aim to make sure that public chargepoints are compatible with all vehicles and standardize the payment methods.

The Roads Minister Jesse Norman said: “The UK is becoming a world leader in the roll-out of low-emission transport. Today we have passed a significant milestone in that journey.

“The increasing automation of our cars is transforming the way we drive, and the government is steadily updating our laws in order to prepare for the future.

“This act will ensure that the UK’s infrastructure and insurance system is ready for the biggest transport revolution in a century.”

The act will also bring automated vehicle insurance in line with traditional motor insurance practice.

The DfT added: “The measures in the new act form part of the government’s recently launched Road to Zero strategy. The strategy sets the stage for the biggest technology advancement to hit UK roads since the invention of the combustion engine

“The UK will also be hosting the world’s first Zero Emission Vehicle summit later this year in Birmingham, promoting the UK as a world leader for investment in and uptake of zero emission vehicles.”