Remote control parking to become legal in Britain

Friday, 25 May 2018 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

London (Reuters): British motorists will be able to use an app on their phone or a key fob to park their cars remotely from next month as a new law is to be introduced in the latest drive towards self-driving and connected cars.

Politicians are trying to make it as easy as possible to test and use new driving technologies in Britain, seeking to build an industry to serve a worldwide market expected to be worth around GBP 900 billion ($1.2 trillion) by 2025.

Cars fitted with ultrasonic sensors, and automated and connected software are able to undertake a number of tasks including parallel and end-on parking at the touch of a button whilst the driver stands outside the vehicle.

The government hopes such new tools will make it easier to park in tight spaces and that computers can improve accuracy as officials look at other ways to allow new automated technology onto Britain’s streets.

“We will continue to review our driving laws in order to ensure drivers can enjoy the potential of these new tools safely,” said Junior Transport Minister Jesse Norman.

Ministers hope to see fully self-driving cars on Britain’s roads by 2021 and a number of automakers including Jaguar Land Rover and Nissan have already carried out tests.