Committee publication · Correspondence · 29 April 2026
Letter from the Minister for Roads, Department for Transport relating to the Automated Passenger Services (APS) permitting scheme, dated 23 April 2026
From: Transport Committee
Summary
Minister for Roads Simon Lightwood updates the Transport Committee on government implementation of the Automated Vehicles Act 2024. The government has published its consultation response and laid statutory regulations establishing the Automated Passenger Services (APS) permitting scheme, a regulatory framework for assessing and overseeing self-driving passenger services. One regulatory change expands data-sharing with emergency responders beyond safety information.
Key findings
- Government has published response to APS permitting scheme consultation and laid the Automated Vehicles (Permits for Automated Passenger Services) Regulations 2026
- Permitting scheme introduces rigorous assessment and oversight process for automated passenger services deployment
- Data-sharing scope widened following consultation to include non-safety information for emergency responders
- Government establishing APS Accessibility Advisory Panel to inform guidance as services deploy
- Safety framework includes stringent pre-operation standards and independent monitoring requirements
Tone
ProceduralTopics
autonomous-vehiclestransport-regulationpublic-safetyaccessibility
Key actors
Simon Lightwood MP, Ruth Cadbury MP, Department for Transport, Transport Select Committee
Notable line
“Safety is the G overnment's highest priority. Automated passenger services will be required to meet stringent safety standards before they are permitted to operate …”
Key Quotes
“The Automated Vehicles Act 2024 establishes a world-leading legislative framework, setting out clear legal responsibilities, a robust safety framework and the regulatory powers necessary to support deployment while protecting the public.”
“Automated passenger services have the potential to transform how people move around the country, improving road safety, widening access to transport and supporting greener and more reliable journeys.”
“Safety is the G overnment's highest priority. Automated passenger services will be required to meet stringent safety standards before they are permitted to operate …”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗