The distant driving of autos from abroad, resembling for the supply of rental automobiles, may very well be banned following a government-commissioned assessment.

The assessment was carried out by the Regulation Fee of England and Wales, which really useful ministers regulate the know-how.

It’s at present used solely in managed environments, resembling farms and warehouses, however future purposes might search to increase its use within the UK to the supply of rental automobiles.

The know-how permits for autos to be managed remotely, doubtlessly in public areas. There’s at present no UK legislation for a driver to be within the car they’re controlling.

The fee mentioned “difficulties in enforcement” meant distant driving from abroad must be prohibited “till acceptable worldwide agreements are in place”.

It instructed ministers that distant driving in public must be allowed provided that corporations obtained particular permissions.

The assessment additionally said {that a} distant driver must be liable for their actions in the identical manner as somebody sitting behind the wheel of a car, however there must be no legal responsibility for faults past their management, resembling connectivity failures.

Nicholas Paines KC, the general public legislation commissioner, mentioned: “Distant driving is an thrilling know-how, however earlier than we see remotely operated automobiles on UK roads we should deal with security issues by way of sturdy regulation.

“Our recommendation concludes that within the fast time period, the federal government would be capable to deal with some gaps within the legislation round distant driving utilizing current powers, whereas additionally offering a path for corporations to make use of the know-how lawfully offered that their techniques are secure.

“In the long term, it might arrange a full system of distant driving regulation. Laws should reply to different basic issues round safety threats and legal responsibility within the occasion of an accident.

“Our recommendation paper units out a highway map for a way the federal government can deal with these issues, while additionally encouraging corporations to innovate.”

The transport minister Jesse Norman mentioned: “Distant driving is already being efficiently used off-road in a number of industries and has large potential to offer new providers and security options for highway autos.

“The federal government wants to make sure that security is on the forefront of using any new know-how, and the division will rigorously think about the Regulation Fee’s suggestions.”

Final yr, the fee additionally really useful that customers of self-driving automobiles ought to have immunity from a variety of motoring offences, together with harmful driving, rushing and leaping crimson lights.