Overview

The Vehicle Technology and Aviation Bill aims to update UK law to address the challenges and opportunities presented by new vehicle technologies, improve electric vehicle charging infrastructure, reform civil aviation regulations, and create new offenses related to road safety.

Description

Automated Vehicles

The bill establishes a system for listing automated vehicles and clarifies insurance liability in accidents involving self-driving vehicles. Insurers will be liable for accidents caused by automated vehicles while driving themselves, except in cases of unauthorized alterations or software updates made by the insured person. The owner will be liable if the vehicle is uninsured and falls under the exemptions of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

Electric Vehicles

The bill empowers the Secretary of State to regulate public electric vehicle charging points, including access, connection, and information provision. Large fuel retailers and service area operators may be required to provide charging points. Regulations will also govern the standards for "smart" charge points.

Civil Aviation

The bill significantly amends the Transport Act 2000, modifying the process for modifying air traffic service licences and introducing a new appeals process via the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and the Competition Appeal Tribunal. It also updates provisions relating to Air Travel Trust and information disclosure, extending those areas to the European Economic Area.

Miscellaneous

The bill grants powers to designate premises for vehicle testing and to cap fees. It also creates a new offense of shining a laser at a vehicle, potentially resulting in up to five years imprisonment. Finally, it allows for fees to be charged for courses offered as an alternative to prosecution for road traffic offenses, with provisions for how those fees are set and used in different parts of the UK.

Government Spending

The bill's financial implications are not explicitly stated in the provided text. However, the introduction of fees for driver training courses and potential penalties for offenses could lead to increased government revenue. Conversely, the regulation and potential subsidies for electric vehicle infrastructure will likely involve government expenditure.

Groups Affected

• Insurers: Will be directly affected by changes to liability for accidents involving automated vehicles.
• Owners of automated vehicles: Liability changes will impact them if their vehicle is uninsured.
• Drivers of automated vehicles: Contributory negligence will still apply.
• Electric vehicle users: Will benefit from improved charging infrastructure, access, and potential cost savings.
• Fuel retailers and service area operators: May face new requirements to provide charging points.
• Air traffic service providers: Subject to revised licensing and appeals procedures.
• Airlines and air travel organisers: Affected by expanded licensing regulations to the European Economic Area.
• Vehicle testing stations: Potentially affected by fee caps.
• Drivers involved in laser incidents: Subject to new criminal offenses.
• Drivers offered courses instead of prosecution: May face fees for those courses.

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