GEORGE LELOUDAS -AUTOMATED VEHICLES -LECTURE 4 (2024)

Lecture Overview

  • Course: LATM01

  • Instructor: Professor George Leloudas

  • Contact: g.leloudas@swansea.ac.uk

  • Topic: The (Future) Regulation of Automated Vehicles (AVs)

  • Location: Swansea University Prifysgol Abertawe

SAE Levels of Driving Automation

  • Source: SAE J3016

  • Levels of Automation:

    • Level 0: No Automation

    • Level 1: Driver Assistance (e.g., Adaptive Cruise Control)

    • Level 2: Partial Automation (e.g., Tesla Autopilot, requiring driver supervision)

    • Level 3: Conditional Automation (the driver must be ready to take control)

    • Level 4: High Automation (operates independently in certain conditions)

    • Level 5: Full Automation (no driver needed)

  • Important Note: The complexity and safety features increase with automation levels, and the ‘role’ of the driver will change accordingly.

  • The higher the level, the more automated the car, thus the less human interaction required.

Driver Attention and Intervention

  • Driver Monitoring:

    • Levels of Automation (0-5) indicate varying degrees of driver responsibility.

    • 0-2 = Driver monitors driving environment.

    • 3 - Hands off, but driver monitored.

    • 4-5 = System monitors driving environment.

  • Automation Levels:

    • Level 2 systems assist but still require driver control and awareness.

Level 2 Driver Assistance Systems in the UK

  • Example: Ford Mustang Mach-E with BlueCruise technology:

    • Driver Capabilities: Hands-free driving in designated lanes.

    • Speed Limit: Up to 80 MPH.

    • Rule 160 of Highway Code: Allows use of driver assistance systems under specific conditions but mandates constant driver attention.

    • The UK has not yet permitted Level 3 AV, but the AVA 2024 aims to make them legal by 2026.

International Developments Towards Level 3

  • UNECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe) Automated Lane Keeping System (ALKS) Regulations:

    • UN Regulation 157 - Uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicles with regard to ALKS (Level 3 automation).

    • Automated Lane Keeping Systems (ALKS) regulation began on January 22, 2021, including the UK.

    • ALKS are the first commercially available systems designed for passenger vehicles, they enable the driver to safely hand over control to the vehicle, for an extended period without further driver command.

    • During such, the vehicle controls the vehicle and performs the driving task on motorways.

UK Developments Towards Level 3

  • How does the level 3 system comply with the Highway Code?

  • Highway Code Compliance, Rule 150:

    • ‘There is a danger of driver distraction being caused by in vehicle systems such as satellites, navigations systems, media etc. You MUST exercise proper control of your vehicle at all times. Do not rely on driver systems such as motorway assist, lane departure warnings etc. As the driver, you are still responsible for the vehicle, if you use a driver assistance system, like motorway assist.’

    • Rule 150 clearly states that; despite using a driver assistance system, you as the driver, are still responsible for the vehicle.

  • Rules H1 - H3 of the Highway Code on “Self-driving” vehicles:

    • You must still follow relevant laws,

    • Must be fit to drive,

    • The vehicle must be road legal

    • You must not doing anything illegal, i.e. holding a mobile phone.

    • If a self-driving vehicle needs to hand control back to the driver, it will give you enough time to do this safely. You MUST always be ready to take back control, and do it when the vehicle prompts you.

    • When you have taken back control, or turned off the self driving function, you are responsible for all aspects of driving.

Key Responsibilities for Self-Driving Vehicles

  • Driver Obligations: Even with automation, drivers must comply with road laws and possess necessary licenses.

    • Transition Demand: A system prompt for drivers to regain control when necessary, including an alert system with visual and audio signals.

ALKS Regulation Compliance

  • Vehicle Control: Regulations specify maintaining lane discipline and proper distance from other vehicles.

  • Emergency Handling: Vehicles must implement minimum risk maneuvers (MRMs) in emergencies.

Amendments to ALKS Regulation (January 2023)

  • New provisions allow for automated lane changes and increased operational speeds up to 130 km/h for certified vehicles.

Benefits and Concerns of Autonomous Vehicles (AVs)

  • Benefits:

    • Improvements in transport connectivity, especially for disabled individuals.

    • Reduced vehicle congestion over time, enhanced public transport efficiency.

  • Concerns:

    • Short to medium term congestion increases, job losses, public skepticism toward safety.

Public Perceptions of AV Safety

  • Challenges: Overcoming the public's concerns about the safety of self-driving technology.

    • Key Factors Influencing Perception:

      • Evidence of safety & regulation oversight.

      • Reports of technology over-reliance.

Terminology Related to Automated Vehicles

  • Automated Driving System (ADS): Performs dynamic driving tasks.

  • Conditional Automation: Expects user to intervene if needed.

  • Dynamic Driving Task (DDT): Includes real-time vehicle operation functions.

  • Transition Demand: Alert for the driver to regain control.

UNECE Background and Vehicle Regulations

  • UNECE: Establishes safety and environmental performance standards for various vehicle types.

  • WP.29: Regulates vehicle safety features and type approvals according to international standards.

Type Approval in the UK

  • Certification Authority: Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA).

  • Regulation Compliance: Manufacturers must adhere to UN regulations and demonstrate conformity for type approval to sell vehicles nationally.