2023-10-18 14:09:39
The Federal Council wants to authorize automated driving in Switzerland. This technology opens up new perspectives for the economy and transport service providers, the government argued on Wednesday. He opened a consultation on this subject, until February 2.
Digital transformation brings many opportunities in the field of transport, according to Parliament. This is why, in the spring, it adopted a revised law establishing the framework conditions for automated driving.
The vehicles in question can improve road safety and traffic flow, adds the Federal Council. Their manufacturers will have to demonstrate exhaustively how these two elements are guaranteed during the operating life of the automated system.
Vehicles will have to meet regulatory requirements like any other vehicle to be admitted to circulation. Drivers must be able to let go of the wheel after activating the automated system, but must remain ready to resume driving at any time.
Driverless vehicles
The new regulations will also concern vehicles that can travel entirely without a driver. The sections on which the latter are admitted must be defined in advance and validated by the authorities. An operator must ensure monitoring.
Finally, parking without the presence of a driver must be possible in defined and signposted parking areas. The task of determining the appropriate surfaces will fall to the cantons.
Technologies to test
The Federal Council also wants to allow the co-financing of pilot and demonstration projects in order to test new technologies. The projects must be carried out on public roads, have a positive effect in terms of transport sustainability and not be feasible without financial assistance. Their aim should be to improve road safety or increase the capacity of existing road infrastructure.
On the other hand, the government is refusing to regulate delivery robots. These still give rise to too many conflicts of objectives. For example, due to their reduced speed, they cannot easily be used on the roadway.
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