The Government has announced a consultation on proposed changes to the Highway Code which will enable drivers to park their cars remotely, and bring forward smarter motorway cruise control.
With manufacturers ‘constantly competing to bring drivers the latest in advanced drive technologies’, the Government says the proposals will make the Highway Code ‘future ready’.
Remote control parking is an ADAS (advanced driver assistance system) that allows the driver to carry out a parking manoeuvre from either inside or outside the vehicle, by issuing a command from an external device.
The Government says allowing the use of remote control parking would provide ‘significant advantages’ for drivers with mobility problems.
Jesse Norman, transport minister, said: “Features such as remote control parking and motorway assist have the potential to transform car travel, adding greater convenience and accessibility to drivers, so that they can park and drive with more confidence.
“The exciting developments outlined in the consultation have the potential to revolutionise how we drive. For those with mobility issues remote control parking has the potential to make far more places accessible.
“Similarly, cars with improved cruise control functions will be able to make journeys on UK roads more energy efficient, meaning cheaper, cleaner driving.”
Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), said: “Manufacturers invest billions in engineering technology to enhance driver comfort, safety and convenience, so these proposals, providing clarity and confidence to consumers, are good news.
“We welcome Government’s continued commitment to keep the UK at the forefront of connected and autonomous vehicle development and rollout.”
The consultation got underway on 19 December and will close on 30 January 2018.
Click here to access the consultation documentation and for details of how to respond.
Will it prevent a user remotely parking their car illegally or causing an obstruction? That seems to be a bigger problem than individuals’ ability to manoeuvre their vehicle?
Hugh Jones
+1
Bob, we already have the situation of self-parking vehicles being capable of getting into spaces that their drivers are then unable to extricate themselves from. Car makers are having to look at systems to do it for these inept drivers, but it is proving far more challenging to design a system that safely gets a vehicle from a space into a traffic flow, than vice versa. We must be careful what we wish for.
David, Suffolk
+3
My problem with park assist is will the electronic device be able to park a vehicle in a space that is smaller than that in which a driver would ever consider parking in? If so then it could present a problem, not for them, but for the driver of other vehicles parked next to it. That the driver who doesn’t have park assist cannot get out due to the closer proximity of the park assisted vehicle.
It is possible that that situation could end in some degree of frustration and possible anger.. is that what we want? Technology causing increased frustration and anger and possibly the committing of an offence of driving without reasonable consideration or a possible breach of the peace.
Bob Craven
+1
It will be interesting to watch the average person attempt to park by remote control. One of the problems that many users of remote control face when trying to control model cars is in deciding which way to turn the steering to bring about the change in course they desire.
The Government’s paper informs us that there will be less damage when parking if this technology is used. If the driver is so incompetent that they have to park it while standing next to it, I wouldn’t be betting on less damage as an outcome.
David, Suffolk
+8
When it comes to motorway cruise controls I believe that it may intend having some form of distance control so that one slows when approaching a vehicle in front. That is ok but a relative of mine had a simlar device some 10 years ago and found that when operating it, if a vehicle overtook him on the motorway or dual carriageway and then cut in sharply in front he would automatically slow and sometimes quite suddenly and sharply as if in an emergency stop situation.I don’t think that would be helpful knowing that too many drivers do in fact pull in far too early and that could give cause for some concern and possibly frustration and anger. Is that what we want…. more anger on our roads… I think not.
bob craven
+4