The government has said planned changes to The Highway Code will enable owners of self-driving cars to view content on built-in display screens while the vehicle is in control.

It will still be illegal to use mobile phones in self-driving mode, which the government says poses a greater risk in distracting drivers.

The code will also be adapted to clarify driver responsibility in autonomous vehicles, including when they should be ready to take back control of the car, like when they approach motorway exists.

According to the government, the UK’s first vehicles for self-driving could be ready for use as early as this year.

“This is a major milestone in our safe introduction of self-driving vehicles, which will revolutionise the way we travel, making our future journeys greener, safer and more reliable,” said transport minister Trudy Harrison. “This exciting technology is developing at pace right here in Great Britain and we’re ensuring we have strong foundations in place for drivers when it takes to our roads.

“In doing so, we can help improve travel for all while boosting economic growth across the nation and securing Britain’s place as a global science superpower.”

The government is currently developing a wider legal framework for self-driving vehicles.

It said that the development of self-driving vehicles could create around 38,000 new, high-skilled jobs within Britain’s industry that would be worth £41.7 billion by 2035. 

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