Rural driverless cars lack infrastructure, says motoring expert

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 7 Oct, 12:44 · Archive

Motoring journalist Amanda Stretton has criticised Shadow Chancellor Andrew Griffith's proposal to introduce self-driving cars to rural communities, saying road infrastructure is not ready for the technology.

Shadow Chancellor Andrew Griffith told a Conservative Party conference fringe event in Birmingham that self-driving cars represented a 'huge' opportunity for rural communities. He argued that autonomous vehicles could help older and disabled people in countryside areas where bus services are limited and could no longer drive themselves.

Motoring journalist Amanda Stretton, who is based in Oxfordshire and is a former racing driver, rejected the proposal on BBC Radio 4's Today programme. She said it was 'just nonsense' and demonstrated 'a complete lack of understanding' of how autonomous vehicle technology currently works.

Stretton explained that self-driving cars rely heavily on road infrastructure to operate. They need painted lines, clearly marked areas and consistent road layouts to function effectively. She said that narrow rural roads often lack these features.

'I live in Oxfordshire and just looking at the roads around me, the actual infrastructure of our roads is not up to it,' she said. Stretton, who has worked for ITV and Channel 4 and competed in the Le Mans 24 hour race and FIA GT Championship, emphasised that vehicles 'need a certain level of uniform road structure'.

Autonomous vehicles have become more common in some United States cities. Uber became the first company to launch self-driving minicabs in London last month. The UK continues to develop autonomous vehicle technology, including through London-based company Wayve.

Rural driverless cars lack infrastructure, says motoring expert — Image: Oxfordshire Guardian

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How it is being reported

Driverless cars are 'nonsense', says Oxfordshire-based motoring expertOxfordshire motoring journalist Amanda Stretton has criticised proposals to use self-driving cars in rural areas, saying local roads are not ready for the technology.Oxfordshire Guardian · 7 Oct, 11:33
Driverless cars are 'nonsense', says Oxfordshire-based motoring expertOxfordshire motoring journalist Amanda Stretton has criticised proposals to use self-driving cars in rural areas, saying local roads are not ready for the technology.Oxford Mail · 7 Oct, 11:33
Rural self-driving cars 'nonsense', says expertShadow chancellor Andrew Griffith says self-driving cars are a "huge" opportunity for rural communities.BBC Oxford · 6 Oct, 14:56

In this story: Andrew Griffith · Amanda Stretton · Oxfordshire · Conservative Party · Uber · Wayve

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