Have your say on automated vehicles

The Ministry of Transport (MoT) is seeking feedback on a document that looks at the future impact of automated vehicles operating on New Zealand roads.

Officials say the final draft of a long-term insights briefing for government on the topic has been put together as the development of in-vehicle technologies moves us closer to more highly automated vehicles (AVs). 

“We need to know the risks and opportunities this might present, for New Zealand, and the wellbeing of all New Zealanders,” the MoT says.

“This is an opportunity to take a ‘deep dive’ into a specific area of transport that we believe will present significant challenges and opportunities for the transport system over the next 10 to 15 years.”

The briefing has been released for a final round of public consultation, which closes on May 27, before it is tabled with a select committee at the end of June. It will help inform future policy work around regulating AVs

Uncertain future

The document describes AVs as presenting one of the greatest areas of uncertainty for the future of the transport system, with the timeframes for fully automated vehicles still unclear. 

“AVs will operate within an already complex land transport system,” the briefing says. 

“They have the potential to significantly improve transport outcomes and the wellbeing of New Zealanders but could also create challenges for both.”

It adds there are already vehicles on our roads with automated features that assist the driver, such as blind-spot monitoring and autonomous emergency braking. 

However, the MoT’s paper focuses on the next level of automation, where vehicles can take over the task of driving for at least a portion of the journey, without the driver needing to pay attention to the road. 

It notes New Zealand has yet to regulate for higher-level AVs and there are none currently on the country’s roads.

“AVs could provide benefits for many New Zealanders, depending on where they live and their ability to access available transport options,” the briefing adds. 

“Those currently unable to drive may be afforded greater freedoms by AVs. Locations currently underserved by transport options may be able to access more affordable demand responsive transport options that better meet their needs.” 

The MoT continues that safety is a primary consideration before AVs will be allowed to operate on the road and the public will want to know who is responsible in the event of a collision. 

“This places the onus on government to ensure appropriate vehicle safety standards are in place for higher levels of automation, and that enforcement activities and the penalty regime is reflective of the changing role of the driver.”

What happens next

The report suggests government needs to clarify its goals and objectives for AVs within the next two years. This includes consideration of the current gaps in the transport network and where AVs could be best placed to address these. 

This will require discussions with industry, councils, regional transport bodies and groups in the community.

“Identifying potential gaps in New Zealand’s current regulatory framework for AVs should also be a priority,” it explains. “The focus should be on the safe integration of AVs into New Zealand’s vehicle fleet.”  

The MoT says any programme of work should also take a broader focus beyond transport and consider housing, urban development, social welfare, and investment in innovation at the national level. 

Within the next five years, once the benefits from different AV use cases have been established, the document adds New Zealand should aim to have regulations in place to support the safe on-road deployment of higher levels of AVs.

It advises an understanding around the gaps in the country’s physical and digital infrastructure to support level four and five AVs should also be established.

The consultation paper explains that over the next decade there will be growth in AV development and on-road deployment international and it is likely “new markets will emerge for New Zealand for level four vehicles with level three vehicles already operating in the vehicle fleet”. 

“If regulation supports AV deployment, New Zealand should aim to have a comprehensive programme in place for companies to pilot various AV technologies with the public,” it says. 

“This will build consumer confidence and test assumptions around use cases.”

For an overview of the briefing or to make a submission, click here.