Self-driving cars could reach speeds of up to 130 km/h in the future – UN panel considers resolution
There are currently strict regulations governing the operation of autonomous vehicles in terms of maximum speed and operating conditions. However, things are starting to change in this area.
The so-called International Panel of Experts on Automated and Connected Driving of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) has agreed to raise the speed limit for autonomous driving—in certain traffic situations such as traffic jams or slow-moving traffic—from 60 to 130 kilometers per hour. The UNECE announced this on Thursday in Geneva. In addition to raising the speed limit, lane changes will also be permitted in the future.
The proposal must still be approved by the UNECE World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations. The forum will meet from June 21 to 24, and approval is considered a mere formality
As recently reported, Mercedes-Benz is currently the only automaker in Germany offering an autonomous vehicle on the market. This means that the 60-kilometer-per-hour speed limit also applies to Mercedes vehicles for now. Furthermore, the driver must be able to actively take control of the steering at any time.
Mercedes will begin delivering the first vehicles ordered with the so-called “Drive Pilot” system as early as this summer. Other manufacturers, such as Honda, are launching similar models in Japan and will thus shape the roadscape of the future.
