Politicians respond positively: self-driving vehicles are well received

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Automated driving is the future. The Federal Road Agency (Astra) is convinced that our heavily congested road network can be used much more efficiently. The Federal Council therefore wants to regulate the registration and use of vehicles with automation systems in two regulations. According to the current traffic law, this is impossible because anyone driving is not allowed to let go of the steering wheel.

According to the state government’s proposals, which were submitted for consultation on Friday, this should be possible. Automatic parking without the driver present should also be allowed.

Minimum distance and speed requirements

In contrast to today’s widespread assistance systems such as ABS, cruise control or emergency braking assistance, the vehicles approved for this must also be able to monitor their surroundings. The federal government also wants to subsidize innovative automation solutions in the transport sector.

Automated driving should increase the efficiency of the entire transport system, the SVP writes. This benefits the economy and the environment. At the same time it increases the capacity of the road network. The party rejects financial state support to promote innovative automated transport solutions. That is a matter for the market.

The SVP welcomes the ongoing review of data protection. To this end, the Federal Council wants to set up market surveillance that keeps pace with technological developments. However, the party demands that the federal government regulate and monitor its transparency.

If there is general agreement, the SP will require clear minimum requirements for the distance and speed of automated vehicles. These vehicles may under no circumstances limit the subjective sense of safety of non-motorized road users. On highways, vehicles should also be able to respond to unusual situations such as roadworks, wrong-way drivers or car breakdowns.

Safety remains a problem

During automated driving, the SP wants to prohibit certain activities that make it impossible for the driver to immediately take control again. Parking spaces for automated vehicles should not require additional space. These would have to be built on existing parking lots.

The cities strive for sustainable transport based on walking, cycling and public transport, according to the Swiss Association of Cities. Automated vehicles could perform additional functions. The association raises questions when it comes to safety, parking space planning and traffic reduction.

For the Swiss Federation of Trade Unions (SGB), the two regulations should be followed by a revision of the Road Traffic Act. The switch from analogue to automatic transport has serious consequences for the working world. Those who work in logistics must be taken into account. Moreover, autonomous heavy transport could significantly reduce the attractiveness of rail and undermine travel policy.

In return, VCS wants to reduce the space on the road

The Swiss Transport Club (VCS) demands that automated driving leads to a decrease in motorized traffic, for example by ensuring that passenger cars are better filled and trucks are more fully utilized. He thinks the proposal is too economical. Collective transport must be a priority. In return, road infrastructure would have to be reduced.

The Accident Prevention Advisory Center (BFU) welcomes the idea of ​​safety. Accompanying measures are needed in parallel with automated driving. In mixed urban traffic, self-driving vehicles need uniform standards for communicating with other road users.

Pro Velo Switzerland promises a reduction in traffic, better traffic management, less road infrastructure, vehicle sharing, more public transport and complete safety.

The Center Party and the Green Liberal Party have not commented on this consultation. The responses from the FDP and the Greens were pending on Friday afternoon.

Source:Blick