Autonomous and Electric Vehicles Act becomes law

The Automated and Electric Vehicles (AEV) Act, which will improve and expand electric vehicle public charging, has passed through Parliament.

The AEV Act will give the government new powers to ensure motorway services are upgraded with plenty of points and for local government to request installations at large fuel retailers in their areas.

The new laws will imake sure that public chargepoints are compatible with all vehicles, standardise how they are paid for and set standards for reliability.

Jesse Norman, roads minister, said: "The UK is becoming a world leader in the roll-out of low-emission transport. Today we have passed a significant milestone in that journey.

"The increasing automation of our cars is transforming the way we drive, and the government is steadily updating our laws in order to prepare for the future.

"This act will ensure that the UK’s infrastructure and insurance system is ready for the biggest transport revolution in a century.

The act will also bring automated vehicle insurance in line with motor insurance practice, ensuring that motorists are covered both when they are driving, and when the driver has legitimately handed control to the vehicle.