Japan Halts First Fully Self-Driving Vehicle Pilot Project

Japan has halted its push towards self-driving cars after one collided with a parked bicycle, BNN Breaking reported.

Last year, the country approved a pilot project that allowed autonomous vehicles to drive on specific public roads. In May, a service of driverless bus-like vehicles, similar to electric golf carts, began operating as part of this project in Eiheiji, Fukui prefecture.

However, on Sunday, one of these vehicles collided with a bicycle parked on the side of the road, according to local official Norifumi Hiramoto. Despite the fact that none of the vehicle's four passengers were injured, officials decided to halt the project until its safety could be reassessed. 

The vehicles have a top speed of 12 kilometres per hour and are outfitted with sensors and radars to help them avoid obstacles. According to a report by The Manila Times, the suspension comes just days after the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) suspended Cruise's permit to operate driverless vehicles on San Francisco streets due to safety concerns.

According to a Thatcham Research 2022 survey, 73% of UK motorists recognise the potential benefits of emerging automated driving technology. The majority (21%) identified improved safety as the main benefit of the technology, followed by improved mobility for the elderly and disabled (14%), and reduced pollution (8%).

The Department of Transport published traffic projections for England and Wales in January, indicating that delays could increase by up to 85% from 2025 to 2060 once self-driving vehicles become commonplace.  

Japan has stated that it intends to allow Level 4 vehicles in 50 locations within the next three years.