The introduction of Tesla’s self-driving technology in the UK has been blocked by thee Department for Transport (DfT) over safety concerns, according to reports.
The Telegraph reports that UK Government officials have thwarted efforts to legalise the system in Europe.
Self-driving is one of the major selling points for Tesla’s brand. The company is owned by Elon Musk.
Minutes from a meeting of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) – the organisation that sets safety rules for vehicles – show that officials from the DfT raised concerns about the self-driving technology.
A DfT spokesman told the Telegraph: “The UK has some of the safest roads in the world. With 88% of all recorded road accidents currently involving human error, advanced driver assistant technology could play a crucial role in reducing accidents and saving lives.
“Road safety is our absolute priority, and that’s why we’re working closely with other countries to ensure these new technologies are safe while harnessing the potential of autonomous vehicle technology to create jobs, power growth and help us deliver our Plan for Change.”
This comes after other European countries such as Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands asked for more evidence on the safety of self-driving technology.
Tesla currently charges £6,800 for the self-driving feature in Britain even though it cannot be used on the road.
Mr Musk admitted that it is unlikely that the tech will be rolled out in Europe this year.
He said: “Europe is a layer cake of regulations of bureaucracy, which really needs to be addressed.”
