Shifting Public Attitudes Towards Autonomous Vehicles: Key Findings from Driverless Cars Research UK
The future of autonomous vehicles is becoming more tangible as public opinions in the UK shift in favour of driverless technology. A recent study, Driverless Cars Research UK, commissioned by CAP HPI— a leader in vehicle history checks and valuations—surveyed over 2,000 UK adults to explore their views on self-driving cars. The findings reveal that trust in driverless cars is gradually increasing, but regional, gender, and age differences play a significant role in shaping the public’s acceptance of this emerging technology.
Key Findings from the Study
The study uncovered some noteworthy trends that highlight how the UK public is warming to the idea of autonomous vehicles.
Trust Across Demographics
Men are more trusting of driverless cars than women, with 28% of men expressing confidence in the technology, compared to only 16% of women. Age also plays a crucial role. Younger generations, particularly 18-26-year-olds, are significantly more comfortable with autonomous vehicles, with 33% expressing trust in self-driving cars. In contrast, just 17% of people aged 55-64 are confident in the technology, and those over 65 are the least trusting, with only 12% willing to embrace autonomous vehicles.
Regional Variations in Trust
Trust in driverless technology varies across the UK, with residents of London being the most open to the idea at 21%, followed by the East of England (19%) and the West Midlands (18%). Meanwhile, Wales lags behind, with only 9% of people expressing confidence in self-driving cars. Scots are more optimistic, with 18% indicating comfort with the idea of autonomous vehicles.
Public Perception of Road Safety
While there is growing interest in autonomous technology, road safety remains a major concern. Only 15% of respondents believe that driverless cars will make roads safer. On the other hand, 22% feel that road safety will remain unchanged with the advent of autonomous vehicles. Despite these concerns, 24% of people expressed excitement about the technology, with men (30%) showing more enthusiasm compared to women (18%).
Will the Public Embrace Autonomous Vehicles?
Interest in self-driving cars is on the rise, with 25% of men considering purchasing a self-driving car that could allow them to perform other tasks, such as reading or attending meetings while travelling. However, women are less inclined to embrace this idea, with only 12% showing similar interest.
The Rise of Semi-Autonomous Features
Interestingly, over 40% of UK adults are already using vehicles equipped with semi-autonomous features like lane assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. Men are more likely to drive cars with these features (43%) compared to women (40%). Additionally, 21% of men use these features regularly, while only 6% of women do the same.
Concerns About Autonomous Technology
While trust in autonomous vehicles is growing, significant concerns still remain. The primary worry for 57% of respondents is the loss of control in a driverless car, with other concerns including the state of the roads (38%), technology reliability (35%), and the potential for accidents (41%). Many also worry about how autonomous cars will interact with one another on the road and how human drivers will behave around them.
Despite these concerns, 43% of respondents indicated they had no fears about losing control, while 35% expressed confidence in the technology itself.
What’s Next for Driverless Cars in the UK?
The results of Driverless Cars Research UK show that public opinion is shifting toward greater comfort with autonomous vehicles. However, only 8% of people believe that manufacturers have done enough research to prove that driverless cars are safe. Despite this, the future of autonomous vehicles in the UK remains promising.
In May 2024, the UK government passed the Automated Vehicles Act (AV Act), which provides the legal framework for the operation of self-driving cars on UK roads. This legislation includes safety standards, data security measures, and insurance requirements, with the potential for fully autonomous vehicles on UK roads by 2026.
According to Matt Freeman, Managing Consultant at CAP HPI, “Although we’re not there yet, Driverless Cars Research UK shows that public acceptance of autonomous vehicles is on the rise. The legal framework is already in place, and we could see fully self-driving cars on UK roads in the next two years. The UK government is supporting autonomous vehicle development through trials and pilot projects aimed at reducing human error, which causes 88% of road accidents.”
Conclusion: The Future of Autonomous Vehicles
As self-driving technology advances, the integration of autonomous vehicles into everyday life is becoming more likely. The increasing use of semi-autonomous features such as lane assist and emergency braking demonstrates how close full autonomy is to becoming a reality. While public opinions vary, the growing trust and excitement surrounding driverless cars indicate a significant shift toward acceptance.
As the UK moves toward fully autonomous vehicles, Driverless Cars Research UK shows a promising future for self-driving technology. With legislation in place and continued development, the dream of safer, more efficient roads could soon become a reality. For those interested in staying informed about vehicle history checks, valuations, and autonomous technology, visit CAP HPI for the latest updates.
