As the clock ticks closer to 2026, the year when fully autonomous vehicles could begin navigating UK roads under the newly passed Automated Vehicles Act (AV Act), a new study reveals a nation still grappling with mixed feelings about the revolutionary technology.
Commissioned by HPI, the UK’s leading vehicle history check and valuation specialists, the research surveyed over 2,000 adults, uncovering nuanced insights into the public’s perceptions and concerns surrounding driverless cars.
A Nation Divided: Control, Trust, and Road Safety
At the forefront of motorists’ concerns is the perceived loss of control. Just over half (57%) of respondents cited this as a significant worry, with women expressing slightly higher levels of apprehension than men (60% versus 55%).
Interestingly, the behavior of other road users emerged as a close second, troubling 49% of drivers. The interaction between driverless vehicles and traditional cars is a prominent area of uncertainty, raising questions about the potential ripple effects of autonomous technology on road dynamics.
Two in five motorists (41%) voiced concerns about accidents, while 37.5% highlighted the state of the UK’s road infrastructure as a factor that could undermine the safety and efficiency of self-driving vehicles.
Additional findings revealed widespread skepticism about the reliability of autonomous technology. A third of drivers (35%) expressed doubts about the technology’s effectiveness, while similar numbers cited fears of faults, breakdowns, and overall trust issues. Cost is another sticking point, with 34% of participants deterred by the assumed expense of driverless cars.
Bridging the Generation Gap
Trust in driverless technology varies significantly by age. Younger drivers aged 18-26 were more optimistic, with trust levels at 26%, compared to just 13% of drivers aged 55-64 and a mere 10% among those over 65.
Matt Freeman, Managing Consultant at HPI, sees this as a promising sign. “Fully autonomous vehicles could be on UK roads by as early as 2026, so the results of our study into concerns around driverless technology are encouraging,” he says. “Drivers seem prepared to adopt the technology, and general trepidation levels are fairly balanced, especially as the vehicles are not even around at present.”
Freeman believes that the increasing trust in artificial intelligence across various aspects of daily life plays a role in this shift. Moreover, many drivers are already accustomed to semi-autonomous features such as adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and automatic braking, which have paved the way for broader acceptance of full autonomy.
Preparing for the Driverless Future
The AV Act, passed in May 2024, sets the stage for the safe and legal integration of driverless cars into UK roads. It establishes rigorous safety standards, data security measures, and insurance requirements, creating a robust framework for their introduction.
Despite the remaining concerns, Freeman is optimistic. “The arrival of driverless cars will be the biggest technological advancement to happen in the automotive sector for decades. It’s an exciting area of motoring for most people, especially younger generations.”
As public attitudes gradually shift, the transition to a driverless future is no longer a distant prospect but a rapidly approaching reality. Whether UK motorists are ready to embrace this change entirely or proceed with caution remains to be seen.
For over 80 years, HPI has been at the forefront of motoring innovation, offering comprehensive vehicle checks, free car valuations, and MOT history services. To explore their full range of offerings, visit HPI.
