The Netherlands is another step closer to the introduction on public roads of self-driving cars. The Lower House received the bill Experimentation Act for self-driving cars from Minister Cora van Nieuwenhuizen (Infrastructure and Public Works). If this law enters into force, the Minister of Infrastructure and Public Works can issue permits for tests on public roads with remote drivers.
Currently, there are already cars on the road with automated functions, such as adaptive cruise control, automatic parking and lane-keeping systems. Since 2015, it has been possible in the Netherlands to test self-driving cars on public roads, but this currently still requires a driver to be present in the vehicle. The new law also allows testing with a remote driver. This is yet another step in the approach to make self-driving transport possible in the Netherlands. It has been agreed at the European level that all European countries should be ready to put self-driving cars on the road by 2019.
Self-driving transportation offers many opportunities. Smart technology can improve road safety, for example. New cars may already contain systems that automatically brake in case someone suddenly stops in front of you and keep you in your lane if you cross the line due to distraction, for example. In the next few years, the autopilot function on the highway could take over the wheel completely at that time and make the trip easier and more comfortable.
If the cars can communicate with each other, they may also be able to help traffic flow more smoothly. The logistics industry is already testing truck platooning, in which 2 or more trucks are linked together via Wi-Fi. This allows them to drive much closer together and save fuel. The 1st truck is then still driven, but the drivers in the succeeding trucks are relieved of driving tasks.
Self-driving cars can also be a good source of information. Consider scanning the road surface and communicating to the road manager that there are potholes or slippery road sections. The road authority can then deploy a gritter.
The Netherlands is progressive and is in the leading group of countries preparing legislation for self-driving transport. By experimenting, the Netherlands will soon be well prepared for the future, both in terms of legislation and for introducing and combining new forms of transportation into society.
