Multi-million economic boost to secure UK's leading position in autonomous transport

The UK Government has announced up to £150m in funding for the development of autonomous vehicles.   

Running until 2030, the economic boost aims to solidify the UK as a world leader in the deployment of the innovative technology. This follows the government’s recent pledge to start introducing self-driving vehicles within the next two years.  

Part of the Advanced Manufacturing Plan (AMP), the investment will also aim for the connected and autonomous mobility (CAM) industry to expand into other sectors such as agriculture and defence.    

The AMP aims to make the UK “the best place in the world to start and grow a manufacturing business”.  

Matched by industry funding, the investment will also enhance the UK’s Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV) capabilities for an early commercial market as well as help the centre continue to support projects UK-wide.  

Since 2015, the agency has invested more than £500m in over 100 projects, including the CAVForth programme - the UK’s first self-driving bus, which runs from Edinburgh to Fife.  

The announcement follows a recent report by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), which revealed the CAM sector could bring 340,000 additional jobs and a £66bn return by 2040.  

However, for such estimates to be realised, the SMMT warned the government must introduce appropriate regulation accordingly.   

The King’s Speech earlier this month reflected a commitment to do so as King Charles set the foundations for the Automated Vehicles Bill.  

The framework to regulate the deployment of self-driving vehicles is currently passing through the House of Lords.