The National Transport Commission (NTC) today released updated Guidelines for trials of automated vehicles in Australia, which will ensure they remain fit for purpose as automated vehicle trials progress across the country.
The guidelines, a joint publication of the NTC and Austroads, were first published in 2017. Since then, trials of automated vehicles have taken place in every Australian state and territory. Trialling organisations and governments have found the guidelines a useful tool as they develop trial applications and operate trials.
In this first review, the NTC consulted with a broad cross-section of the transport community to understand the lessons learned from trials to date and how the guidelines may be updated to reflect these.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the review, including technology providers, transport operators, insurers, royal automobile clubs, road user groups, transport accessibility groups, consultants, academics and Commonwealth, state, territory and local governments.
For more information, visit the NTC website.
Download the automated vehicle trial guidelines
Updates on other NTC-led reforms
Infrastructure and transport ministers met on Friday 20 November and agreed to progress a number of key NTC-led reforms. These include:
• Changes to the Australian Road Rules (ARRs) including updates to reflect the introduction of new wearable and portable technology devices that are potential distractions for drivers.
• Recognition of Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) in the ARRs, outlining restrictions on speed and the types of infrastructure they can be used on.
• Endorsing the establishment of a joint government-industry working group to explore the future potential of vehicle-generated data.
• Endorsing NTC recommendations to minimise the impact of inconsistencies in the requirements and implementation of laws for the land transport of dangerous goods, including a full review of the Australian Dangerous Goods Code.
For more information, read the Infrastructure and Transport Ministers Meeting communique.
Read more about the NTC's program of work
Reminder: consultation closure
The NTC is currently consulting on the details of a new national law to regulate automated vehicles once they are commercially deployed on our roads, known as 'in service'.
You can provide feedback via a formal written submission, or by responding to questions on topics of interest using the online form.
Consultation closes on Friday 11 December 2020.
Read the NTC discussion paper