The Department of Transport has launched a series of consultations aimed at placing the UK as a world leader in shaping the future of transport.

Measures to safely maximise the opportunities and benefits from emerging aviation technology, including drones, and expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the UK are among a raft of proposals set out by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.

The Future of Transport regulatory review aims to address areas of transport regulation that are outdated, a barrier to innovation, or not designed with new technologies and business models in mind.

As the development of autonomous and remote operations technology continues alongside its introduction into the marine environment, there is a need to ensure that UK law keeps pace to ensure the safe, secure, and environmentally sound operation of remotely operated and autonomous vessels.

The UK is also a world leader in innovation and aviation technology. Advances in aviation technology are enabling businesses to develop additional and novel models and services, which will change how people and goods move around in the future.

Emerging forms of aviation will create new ways to travel, create new markets, support a net zero economy and increase domestic connectivity to level up the UK.

To bring this new technology to market in an integrated, safe, secure and sustainable way it is necessary to ensure that the regulatory framework is ready and that it is also flexible enough to keep pace as technology develops.

DfT are seeking opinions and evidence from all those with an interest in what an innovative and flexible regulatory framework looks like for emerging transport technologies and TechUK are hosting a briefing with DfT on all strands of the consultation process on 21 October 2021, from 10:30 – 11:30am. You can register on their website and find out more about the areas they are consulting on.

The areas of consideration are as follows, with a priority on zero emission vehicles.

Future of Transport consultation