Self-driving vehicles could be on UK roads by 2026, after the Automated Vehicles Act becomes law this week.
The UK becomes the first country in Europe to approve hands-free technology
Delaying just two years until the technology is deemed roadworthy in the UK could be seen as Elon Musk levels of optimism, but the plot has a few tricks up its sleeve, notably making it clear that responsibility for a vehicle will not rest with the driver when it is in self-driving mode.
The UK's Department for Transport said: "Companies will have ongoing obligations to keep their vehicles safe and ensure they continue to operate in accordance with UK law."
Trials have been going on for some time now in the UK and companies such as Wayve and Oxa continue to test self-driving cars in London and Oxford. These tests have been run under a code of conduct, which requires, among other things, "a driver or operator, in or out of the vehicle, who is ready, capable and willing to resume control of the vehicle."
