Certain road types across the UK could present “unique challenges” for self-driving technology, which has been progressing after new laws were passed last year.
It comes after a Nissan-backed evolvAD initiative recently completed its most rigorous round of testing of autonomous driving technology ever conducted in the UK.
The testing found that urban residential streets with narrow lanes and rural roads with no markings were particularly challenging for self-driving systems.
While Nissan’s evolvAD project has completed tough testing, Tesla faces significant hurdles in deploying its full self-driving technology.
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The car brand tested its self-driving software in various simulators before being introduced onto public roads
NISSAN
It follows UK officials blocking Tesla’s full self-driving software rollout by severely limiting its functionality across the UK and Europe due to it failing to meet certain regulations.
The restrictions require drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and limit the system to basic highway manoeuvres rather than complex urban driving scenarios.
The evolvAD project builds on previous Nissan-backed initiatives in the UK, including the HumanDrive and ServCity schemes, hoping to bring autonomous mobility closer to reality.
Over eight years, more than 16,000 autonomous miles were driven across the country’s motorways, urban centres, residential streets and countryside, with zero accidents, the carmaker detailed.
The testing found that the vehicles struggled with urban residential areas
NISSAN
The 21-month Nissan initiative worked to technically support UK supply chain readiness for future mass deployment of autonomous driving technologies.
During evolvAD, connected and autonomous vehicles were tested in various simulators as well as on private test tracks before being introduced onto public roads.
The tests found that urban residential areas presented challenges with low-speed driving on narrow, single lane roads being particularly difficult. For higher speed routes on winding roads with no markings in rural areas, Nissan introduced a special chassis control system to help combat the issue.
The carmaker enhanced the brakes and steering of its vehicles to allow the car to perform as an advanced driver. The project also utilised existing infrastructures such as CCTV on residential streets to improve situational awareness.
Experts warned self-driving technology ‘may also introduce new safety risks’
NISSAN
Sarah Jones MP, Minister for Industry explained that the project with Nissan has helped bring autonomous vehicles “one step closer to reality”. She added: “Our Industrial Strategy will strengthen this industry, bringing growth, jobs and opportunities to every part of the UK.”
David Moss, Senior Vice President for Nissan across Europe, Asia and Africa, said: “All three research projects have been tremendously successful in driving our knowledge and understanding of how AD technology performs across challenging driving environments.
“As well as making driving safer by reducing human error, and cleaner by improving efficiency, this technology can give many more people access to mobility who may not have it today due to location, age or disability.”
While self-driving continues to grow in interest across the UK, officials have expressed concerns that despite driver assistance systems reducing collisions, they “may also introduce new safety risks.”
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Nissan worked on its research into self-driving cars for 21 months before revealing its findings
NISSAN
The future of autonomous driving in the UK will likely involve a phased introduction, balancing technological capabilities with robust safety measures.
This measured approach will ensure that Britain remains at the forefront of automotive innovation while prioritising public safety.