What's The News?
The United Kingdom wanted to have self-driving cars on the road by 2026. These cars drive themselves. They don't need a person to hold the steering wheel.
But the UK now says that the people will have to wait. The new date is 2027.
Why is There a Delay?
In 2023, the UK passed an act, called the Automated Vehicles (AV) Act, to allow self-driving cars. The old government said that the cars would be ready by 2026 for UK roads. They hoped it would help create 38,000 new jobs, help people make more money, and reduce road accidents.
But in 2024, a new government came. They looked at the plan again and decided to wait until 2027. They said more safety rules are needed before these cars can drive without a person.
How Do Driverless Cars Work?
Self-driving cars are like robot drivers. Instead of a person driving the car, they use a computer brain called Artificial Intelligence (AI). This brain tells the car when to stop, go, or turn.
The car uses LIDAR, a technology that sends out tiny laser lights. These lights bounce off things and come back, so the car knows what is around it.
It also uses RADAR, which sends sound instead of laser light. These help the car know how far away things are, even in rain or fog.
The car also has cameras. These help it read road signs and traffic lights. All of this helps the car drive safely.
The Current Condition
Right now, the UK government is writing new rules to keep these cars and people safe.
Some companies, like Uber and Wayve, are testing their self-driving cars. Uber says it is ready to use them as soon as the rules are done.
What Will Happen Next?
It might be sad to wait longer, but the UK wants to be careful. Safety is the most important thing.
By 2027, we might see robot cars on the road. For now, the testing will go on, and the rules will be made better.
