The UK is entering a new era of mobility. As self-driving vehicle services begin operating on British roads, the technology has the potential to improve road safety, create a more inclusive and efficient transport system and support economic growth across the country.
The public and private sector is investing in this technology because it can deliver widespread societal benefits, while spurring economic growth, innovation and sustainability. The UK Government has estimated that the sector could unlock an industry worth up to £42 billion to the UK economy by 2035.
Realising these benefits will depend not only on the technology, but on how it is deployed. Public trust must be earned through safety, transparency and meaningful engagement with the communities where self-driving vehicles operate.
PAVE UK and its members’ ambition is to enable trust and acceptance of self-driving vehicle technology through awareness and education, delivered through a programme of scientific research, accurate information and inclusive engagement.
This six-point Charter sets out the principles we believe should guide the responsible introduction of self-driving vehicles on British roads. By signing, organisations commit to embedding these principles in their role within the self-driving ecosystem—whether developing and deploying autonomous technologies directly, or providing the vehicles, infrastructure, expertise and services that support their deployment.
In the spirit of this Charter, we are seeking the views of stakeholders and the public on the principles stated below. We endeavour to reflect this feedback in the final version of the charter published in Summer 2026. Please contact [email protected] with your views.
We commit to supporting improved road safety outcomes.
We support the principle at the heart of the Automated Vehicles Act 2024 that self-driving vehicles should achieve a level of safety at least equivalent to, and ultimately better than, that of careful and competent human drivers. Self-driving vehicles are intended to make roads safer for all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and fellow drivers.
We recognise that public acceptance of self-driving technology depends first and foremost on safety. We therefore commit to placing safety at the centre of deployment decisions, including through careful consideration of the pace at which the technology scales, and operational considerations such as the use of human safety operators, or changes to service design.
We commit to delivering tangible public benefits through the responsible deployment of self-driving technology.
We believe self-driving technology should improve transport outcomes for the communities it serves. Deployments should be designed to make roads healthier, improve access to transport, expand options for underserved groups, and contribute positively to local communities. In doing so, self-driving vehicles must support economic growth through innovation, investment and job creation.
We recognise that long-term success depends on delivering meaningful value not only to users, but also to the places in which we operate.
We commit to working in partnership with the places and communities we serve.
Successful deployment depends on earning and maintaining public trust, alongside the confidence and support of local stakeholders. We therefore commit to engaging constructively with local authorities, transport providers, emergency services, community organisations and residents to ensure deployments reflect local priorities and respond to genuine transport needs.
We will seek to build long-term relationships based on openness, responsiveness and mutual trust.
We commit to deploying self-driving vehicle services in a transparent and accountable manner.
Commercial deployment must be accompanied by public accountability. We commit to supporting the monitoring of service performance and impacts, sharing relevant information with regulators and local partners where appropriate, and using evidence and feedback to improve deployments over time.
Where concerns are identified, we will engage constructively and work collaboratively to address them and apply lessons to future deployments.
We commit to introducing self-driving technology through a phased and responsible transition. This should take into account the impact on the workforce, and the goal of enhancing equity, access and accessibility.
We recognise that self-driving services are being introduced into an existing transport ecosystem and that technological change can create uncertainty for transport providers, workers and communities.
The introduction of self-driving vehicles will take place alongside existing transport services, infrastructure and road users for many years to come. We therefore commit to working alongside local partners to introduce services responsibly, monitor their impacts, including on congestion, and adapt deployment approaches based on evidence and experience.
Responsible deployment means integrating services in a way that strengthens the wider transport system, complements existing provision and supports local transport objectives.
We commit to ensuring the benefits of self-driving technology are accessible to all.
We believe self-driving technology should expand opportunity rather than create new barriers. Services are designed with accessibility and inclusion in mind, taking account of different user needs and helping extend the benefits of self-driving mobility across communities and demographics.
By signing this Charter, PAVE UK members commit to supporting the responsible introduction of self-driving vehicle services in the United Kingdom.
Whether developing, deploying or enabling this technology, we will apply these principles in our respective roles and work collaboratively to build public trust, support safe deployment and maximise the benefits self-driving technology can deliver.
We believe that public trust must be earned through responsible deployment, open engagement and a clear commitment to safety, transparency and public benefit. Through these principles, we will help ensure self-driving vehicles are introduced in a way that improves transport outcomes and supports the communities they serve.