Recent Driverless Cars Research UK reveals that public attitudes toward autonomous vehicles in the UK are changing. Commissioned by HPI, a leader in vehicle history checks and valuations, this study surveyed over 2,000 UK adults. The results showed that 22% of road users would trust a driverless car and feel comfortable traveling in one. As autonomous vehicle technology develops, more people are becoming open to the idea of self-driving cars on UK roads.

Key Findings from Driverless Cars Research UK

The Driverless Cars Research UK highlights clear differences in how people of various genders and age groups feel about autonomous vehicles. Men are more trusting of self-driving technology, with 28% expressing confidence in driverless cars compared to only 16% of women. Age also plays a key role, with younger generations showing more trust in the technology. A third (33%) of 18-26-year-olds feel at ease with driverless cars, whereas just 17% of those aged 55-64 share the same sentiment. The least trusting group are those over 65, with just 12% confident in the technology.

Regional Trust in Driverless Cars in the UK

The Driverless Cars Research UK also reveals regional variations in trust towards autonomous technology. Londoners (21%) are the most trusting, followed by residents of the East of England (19%) and the West Midlands (18%). In contrast, Wales has the lowest level of confidence, with only 9% of people trusting driverless cars. Meanwhile, 18% of Scots would feel comfortable using a self-driving vehicle.

Public Opinion: Road Safety and Driverless Cars

When asked about road safety, just 15% of people believe that driverless cars will make UK roads safer. Meanwhile, 22% feel that road safety will remain unchanged with the advent of autonomous vehicles. However, excitement about driverless cars is apparent, with 24% of respondents expressing eagerness about the technology, rather than fear. Interestingly, 30% of men are excited by the prospect of self-driving cars, compared to only 18% of women.

Interest in Self-Driving Cars: Will the Public Embrace Autonomous Vehicles?

The Driverless Cars Research UK also found that 25% of men would consider purchasing a self-driving car that could allow them to carry out other tasks while driving, such as reading or attending a meeting. This number is more than double the 12% of women who feel the same.

Semi-Autonomous Features Already in Use

Over 40% of UK adults already drive vehicles equipped with semi-autonomous features, including lane assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. Men are slightly more likely to have these features in their cars (43%) than women (40%). Additionally, 21% of men regularly use these semi-autonomous features, compared to just 6% of women.

Concerns About Autonomous Technology

Despite increasing trust in self-driving cars, concerns remain. The biggest worry for 57% of respondents is losing control in a driverless car. Other concerns include the state of the roads (38%), technology reliability (35%), and the potential for accidents (41%). Additionally, 49% of people worry about the behavior of other road users, and 37% are concerned about how driverless cars will interact with one another on the roads.

However, 43% of respondents have no concerns about losing control, and 35% expressed trust issues with the technology itself.

What’s Next for Driverless Cars in the UK?

The Driverless Cars Research UK reveals that public opinion is gradually shifting, with increasing comfort around autonomous vehicles. While only 8% of people believe that manufacturers have done enough research to convince them that driverless cars are safe, the future of autonomous vehicles looks promising.

In May 2024, the UK government passed the Automated Vehicles Act (AV Act), which outlines the legal framework for self-driving cars to operate on UK roads. This act includes key safety standards, data security protocols, and insurance requirements, with the potential for fully autonomous vehicles on UK roads by 2026.

Matt Freeman, Managing Consultant at HPI, Comments:

“Although we’re not there yet, the Driverless Cars Research UK shows that public acceptance of autonomous vehicles is on the rise. The legal framework is already in place, and we could see fully self-driving cars on UK roads in the next two years. The UK government is supporting autonomous vehicle development through trials and pilot projects aimed at reducing human error, which causes 88% of road accidents. Driverless cars could make roads safer, ease traffic congestion, and reduce our reliance on human drivers for both passenger and freight transport.”

Conclusion: The Future of Autonomous Vehicles in the UK

For years, drivers have been using features like lane assist and emergency braking, and with advances in artificial intelligence (AI), full autonomy is now closer than ever. The Driverless Cars Research UK shows that public attitudes are evolving, and the integration of self-driving technology into everyday life is becoming more likely.

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