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Connected and Automated Vehicles
28 October 2025
Lead MP
Sarah Coombes
West Bromwich
Lab
Responding Minister
Simon Lightwood
Tags
Economy
Word Count: 12968
Other Contributors: 14
At a Glance
Sarah Coombes raised concerns about connected and automated vehicles in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The Government should expand safety expectations for automated and connected vehicles and set out remaining regulations to improve public acceptance of this technology.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
In the UK, 30,000 people are killed or seriously injured on our roads each year due to issues like speeding, drink driving, mobile phone use, antisocial driving, and not wearing a seatbelt. Automated vehicles could avoid these issues as they would follow strict rules of the road and be trained by safe drivers.
Alex Mayer
Con
Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard
Highlighted examples of driverless transport including DLR trains and discussed issues around personal safety and security.
Dan Aldridge
Lab
Weston-super-Mare
Emphasised that infrastructure must be upgraded nationally to avoid a two-tier system and ensure accessibility across the country, with special focus on coastal communities and city centres. Aldridge mentions the importance of cyber-resilience as discussed by Sarah Coombes, emphasizing the need for national push towards cybersecurity measures.
Al Pinkerton
LD
Surrey Heath
He thanks the hon. Member for West Bromwich for securing this important debate and discusses the potential benefits of connected and automated vehicles in areas with inadequate public transport, focusing on enhancing trust through security.
West Dorset
Morello discusses potential unintended consequences of autonomous vehicles, such as safety issues for elderly passengers in case of emergencies.
Gregory Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
He questions whether there will be a reduction in car insurance costs if the number of accidents decreases with automated vehicles, citing current high insurance premiums in Northern Ireland.
Jerome Mayhew
Con
Broadland and Fakenham
Mr. Mayhew congratulated the hon. Member for securing an interesting debate, focusing on safety, accessibility, and economic growth while acknowledging potential losers in any technological transition. He praised previous legislation that set a regulatory framework for AV technology but questioned the job creation figures and expressed optimism about societal benefits. The hon. Member highlighted the previous Government's groundwork in AI and automotive technology, suggesting that we need to build upon it by addressing issues like ghost plates.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
He discusses the implications of automated vehicles in Northern Ireland, referencing a survey showing that 75% of motorists would not feel safe travelling in driverless cars. He also raises concerns about public trust and insurance costs. Expressed enthusiasm for traditional forms of transportation and mentioned the need for proper regulation.
Lee Pitcher
Lab
Doncaster East and Isle of Axholme
He agrees with his hon. Friend and shares personal experience about his wife losing her driving licence due to a degenerative condition, highlighting the loss of independence it causes. Stressed the importance of getting regulation and monitoring right, highlighting challenges like vegetation management.
Newton Abbot
Mr Wrigley congratulated Sarah Coombes on her positive outlook towards autonomous vehicles. He discussed the challenges of running trials in maritime and air environments, citing Project CAELUS for drone deliveries and suggesting reforms to CAA regulations. Discussed the challenges for rural roads and the importance of white lines for road safety.
Rachael Maskell
Ind
York Central
Asked if a proper framework for data collection before the roll-out is needed, especially from universities like York's Institute for Safe Autonomy.
Rosie Wrighting
Party Unknown
Constituency Unknown
Wrighting supports Sarah Coombes' speech and agrees that Northamptonshire has the skills and location to play a significant role in the growth of the autonomous vehicle industry. She asks for a mention in the debate about how APS would help people who cannot drive due to seizures.
Sarah Coombes
Lab
West Bromwich
Supported the topic highlighting experiences with Wayve in London and its potential for demand-responsive transport. Emphasised the need for nationwide sharing of benefits, public trust in autonomous vehicles, and improvements in accessibility and security.
Tom Hayes
Con
Bournemouth East
Provided historical context on transport developments and emphasized the need for knowledge among local authorities.
Tulip Siddiq
Lab
Hampstead and Highgate
Siddiq highlights concerns about delays in renewing driving licences for local cab drivers, impacting their financial security. She agrees on the importance of creating jobs but also protecting current ones.
Government Response
Simon Lightwood
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport
Government Response
Establishing a new regulatory framework for automated vehicles is an opportunity to harness AI's transformative impact on roads, making transport safer and more convenient. The Automated Vehicles Act 2024 establishes one of the most comprehensive legal frameworks globally. Trust in self-driving vehicles depends on transparency, regulation, and performance. Companies must ensure robust policies for passenger safety, and marketing terms are protected to ensure genuine self-driving capabilities. PAVE UK provides clear information on automated vehicles. Ensuring data security is a priority, with strong safeguards in place. The Government aims to unlock an industry worth £42 billion by 2035, creating up to 38,000 skilled jobs. Discussed the safety and regulatory aspects of self-driving vehicles, including cyber-security measures, job impacts, and the need to balance with existing transport forms. Mentioned ongoing consultations on accessibility and pilot projects.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.