Ministers likely to support law change to allow delivery robots on England’s paths
Summary
Ministers in England are likely to change the law to allow delivery robots to use pavements legally. These small robots deliver groceries and food but currently operate in a legal grey area, causing safety concerns from campaigners focused on pedestrian access.Key Facts
- Current law from 1835 bans “carriages” on pavements, affecting delivery robots.
- Ministers plan to include delivery robots in new micromobility vehicle rules, along with e-scooters.
- Starship Technologies, a US company, runs delivery robots in several English cities like Cambridge and Bristol.
- The company aims to introduce over 10,000 robots in England and may build a UK factory if laws change.
- Safety and accessibility groups worry that robots will crowd pavements and create hazards, especially for disabled and elderly people.
- Some local people were not informed about robot operation hubs installed in their areas.
- The charity Living Streets is campaigning against legalizing robotic deliveries on pavements without strong safety measures.
- The government says it wants to support innovation but prioritizes pedestrian and vulnerable user safety in any law updates.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.