New rules on EV charge points and driverless cars

New rules for self-driving cars and measures to improve electric vehicle charge points have been introduced as part of the Vehicle Technology and Aviation Bill.

The Bill sets out means to provide easier access to infrastructure for electric vehicles, which also means ensuring that the right infrastructure is in place for its growing market.

Service stations on motorways could also be made to provide electric charge points and hydrogen refuelling stations under planned new law.

John Hayes, minister of state for transport said: “If we are to accelerate the use of electric vehicles we must take action now and be ready to take more action later.

"I recognise that to encourage more drivers to go electric, the infrastructure needs to become even more widespread than the 11,000 charging points already in place and more straightforward.

“We are determined to do all we can to make electric vehicles work for everyone and these new laws will help make this a reality.”

In addition, self-driving cars are set to have a single insurance for automated vehicles which will be able to cover both the driver when they are driving and the car when it is in automated mode.

This means that victims involved in a collision with a self-driving vehicle will be able to receive compensation quicker and easier.

This comes after a consultation by the Department for Transport (DfT) regarding issues of insurance for driverless cars that closed in September last year.

Transport secretary, Chris Grayling, said: “Automated vehicles have the potential to transform our roads in the future and make them even safer and easier to use, as well as promising new mobility for those who cannot drive.

“But we must ensure the public is protected in the event of an incident and today we are introducing the framework to allow insurance for these new technologies.”