Remote driving from overseas faces ban in England and Wales

The remote driving of vehicles from overseas, such as for the delivery of rental cars, could be banned following a government-commissioned review.

The review was carried out by the Law Commission of England and Wales, which recommended ministers regulate the technology.

It is currently used only in controlled environments, such as farms and warehouses, but future applications could seek to extend its use in the UK to the delivery of rental cars.

The technology allows for vehicles to be controlled remotely, potentially in public spaces. There is currently no UK law for a driver to be in the vehicle they are controlling.

It told ministers that remote driving in public should be allowed only if companies obtained special permissions.

The review also stated that a remote driver should be responsible for their actions in the same way as someone sitting behind the wheel of a vehicle, but there should be no liability for faults beyond their control, such as connectivity failures.

Last year, the commission also recommended that users of self-driving cars should have immunity from a wide range of motoring offences, including dangerous driving, speeding and jumping red lights.