Calls to revive Jersey driverless car plans

Calls to revive Jersey’s driverless car plans have emerged following the government’s decision to abandon draft legislation aimed at regulating autonomous vehicles. The draft laws, which cost between £35,000 and £40,000 to develop, were intended to enable trials of driverless cars on the island. Nick Perchard-Rees, CEO of electric car hire company EVIe, emphasized the importance of establishing a legal framework to facilitate data collection from such trials, which could inform future policy decisions. Environmental advocates also support revisiting the plans, arguing that driverless cars could play a role in shifting Jersey away from a car-centric transport model. Kate Huntington, who leads the Better Journeys initiative, highlighted the potential benefits of autonomous vehicles in reducing private car ownership and encouraging more sustainable travel options. However, she expressed skepticism about the government’s current approach to infrastructure and transport policy, suggesting more proactive efforts are needed to modernize the island’s transport systems. Concerns remain among the local taxi community regarding the safety and practicality of driverless cars. Mick Tostevin, secretary of the Jersey Taxi Drivers Association, noted mixed opinions within the sector, pointing to incidents involving automated vehicles elsewhere and challenges such as assisting passengers with disabilities, handling luggage, and navigating Jersey’s narrow roads. He acknowledged that while automated vehicles may eventually become commonplace, significant issues need to be addressed, especially in a complex traffic environment shared with cyclists, horse riders, and pedestrians. Trials in other regions, including Orkney, are currently underway to gather data that could help resolve safety and operational concerns. The debate in Jersey reflects broader questions about how autonomous vehicle technology can be integrated into existing transport networks while balancing innovation with public safety and accessibility.