Overview

The Vehicle Technology and Aviation Bill aims to update UK law to accommodate advancements in vehicle technology, particularly automated vehicles, and to improve regulations surrounding electric vehicle charging and civil aviation. It also introduces a new offense for shining lasers at vehicles and makes provisions for fees related to alternative-to-prosecution courses for road traffic offenses.

Description

Automated Vehicles

This part establishes a system for listing automated vehicles (self-driving cars) and clarifies liability in accidents. Insurers are generally liable if an accident is caused by a self-driving automated vehicle, unless the accident was solely caused by the negligence of the person in charge of the vehicle or due to unauthorized alterations/software failures. The bill also outlines the right of insurers to claim against those responsible for accidents involving their insured vehicles.

Electric Vehicles

This part grants the Secretary of State the power to regulate public electric vehicle charging points, including access, connection, and information provision. It also allows for regulations mandating large fuel retailers to provide charging points and establishes standards for "smart" charge points with data-sharing capabilities.

Civil Aviation

This part significantly amends the Transport Act 2000 concerning air traffic services. It introduces a new appeals process for license modifications, enhancing transparency and accountability within the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The bill streamlines enforcement procedures and clarifies the CAA's power to obtain information. It also alters regulations for air travel organisers' licences and the Air Travel Trust.

Miscellaneous

This part introduces a new offense of shining a laser at a moving vehicle (including aircraft and vessels). It also gives the Secretary of State power to designate premises for vehicle testing and to cap testing station fees. Finally, it allows for fees to be charged for courses offered as an alternative to prosecution for road traffic offenses, with provisions for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Government Spending

The bill's financial implications are not explicitly stated within the provided text. However, the introduction of fees for alternative-to-prosecution courses and potential enforcement penalties could lead to increased revenue for the government. Conversely, the regulations surrounding electric vehicle charging points could incur costs related to infrastructure support and enforcement. Further financial impact will depend on the specific regulations made under the bill.

Groups Affected

• Insurers: Increased liability for accidents involving automated vehicles.
• Owners of automated vehicles: Potential liability in uninsured accidents involving automated vehicles.
• Drivers of automated vehicles: Responsibility for appropriate use of automated driving features.
• Electric vehicle users: Improved access to public charging points and increased clarity around charging costs.
• Fuel retailers: Potential obligation to provide electric vehicle charging points.
• Civil aviation companies: Changes to licensing, appeals processes, and enforcement procedures.
• Air travellers: Potential changes to air travel organiser licensing and the Air Travel Trust.
• Individuals shining lasers at vehicles: Subject to criminal penalties.
• Vehicle testing stations: Potential fee caps.
• Road traffic offenders: Changes to fees for alternative-to-prosecution courses.

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