FINAL GPSJ Summer edition 2024 ONLINE VERSION.2pdf - Flipbook - Page 13
TRANSPORT
the real-world capabilities and
limitation of such vehicles will vary
enormously.
For example, one AV may be
permitted to only drive at low speeds
around a city, whereas another may
only be able to drive at 70 mph on a
motorway.
The public and insurers must have
clarity over the difference between
these functions.
Thatcham Research believes that
the following details of authorised
automated capabilities must be
made freely available:
• Defined operational design domain
(ODD). These are the conditions
in which an automated vehicle
can safely operate, e.g. only on a
motorway
• The make, model, and
specification of the authorised
vehicle(s) to the level of Vehicle
Identification Number
• Visibility of the approval
requirements and tests passed by
the authorised vehicle(s)
• Access to the results of any
investigation by the in-use AV
regulator
Thatcham Research calls for future
AV legislation to enforce the creation
of an accessible and dynamic
record of DLVA-registered vehicles
authorised (and de-authorised) in
order to easily identify automated
functionality.
What is the cybersecurity risk
to Automated Vehicles?
There is currently no provision in the
law for uninsured AVs, including if
they are involved in cyberattacks or
acts of terrorism.
The MIB (Motor Insurers Bureau) is
working closely with the Department
for Transport and the Centre for
Connected and Autonomous
Vehicles (CCAV) to understand the
risks of cyberattacks on self-driving
and highly connected vehicles
Cyberattacks on these types of
vehicles present a step change
in terms of risk, not least because
of the theoretical possibility of
multiple vehicles being hacked
simultaneously.
Considering terror attacks, for
example, the potential impact of an
event where several vehicles are
involved could exceed similar attacks
involving a conventional vehicle,
where typically only one vehicle is
used.
Reinsurers may treat cyberattacks
affecting multiple vehicles as
individual incidents, rather than a
cumulative event which could trigger
reinsurance thresholds, further
compounding the risk to solvency for
an individual insurer
Thatcham Research proposes
that legislators provide clarity on the
GPSJ
potential role, obligations, and rights
of the MIB with respect to Automated
Vehicles.
Tom Leggett, vehicle technology
manager at Thatcham Research,
said: “I am pleased the AV Act has
received Royal Assent. Having
followed its progress throughout
the Houses of Parliament closely for
the last six months, the UK is now
in a better position to safely adopt
automated vehicles on our roads.
“Reassuringly, the act recognises
several points raised in our joint
Insurer Requirements for Automated
Vehicles report. This highlights an
understanding from lawmakers that
working alongside insurers and
other key automotive stakeholders
is essential to ensuring the safe
adoption of this technology.
“The AV Act is also an
opportunity for greater clarity within
the automotive sector, helping
consumers to make more informed
decisions when considering vehicles
with automated functionality.
“However, as our report details,
there is still work to be done through
secondary legislation to ensure this
technology is adopted sustainably.
“Challenges remain around the
clarity of insurance responsibility
in the event of an AV collision, the
clear identification of self-driving
capabilities, and the possible
cybersecurity risk.
“Thatcham Research is ready
to support the Government in the
development of regulations and
further legislation which can address
and resolve these outstanding
barriers to widespread adoption.
“Automated Vehicles represent an
exciting future for the UK automotive
sector, but only if we can ensure
there is suitable legislation and
guidelines to protect drivers and
insurers.”
Jonathan Fong, ABI manager for
general insurance policy, said: “With
the Automated Vehicles Act having
received Royal Assent, the UK has
firmly put itself on the path to being
world leaders on automated vehicle
technology.
“As this technology continues
to evolve, so must the legislation
and we look forward to further
collaboration between insurers,
government and the wider motor
industry to address any potential
roadblocks around data sharing,
road safety and cyber security.”
GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC SECTOR JOURNAL SUMMER 2024
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