Google blasts Californian proposal mandating that self-driving cars carry licensed driver
Google has set itself on a collision course with authorities in California after they moved to enforce strict new rules on the introduction of driverless cars; including the presence of a licensed driver behind a steering wheel and active foot pedals.
The State of California has issued draft legislation which would tighten rules governing the technology, much to the chagrin of Google which is keen to go all-out for fully autonomous vehicles.
Chris Umson, head of Google’s self-driving car division, wrote on Medium: “This maintains the same old status quo and falls short on allowing this technology to reach its full potential, while excluding those who need to get around but cannot drive. While we're disappointed by this, we will continue to work with the DMV as they seek feedback in the coming months, in the hope that we can recapture the original spirit of the bill."
California currently has some of the most restrictive laws on autonomous vehicles in the world, a stance which Umson believes will strangle innovation and set-back further development of the technology in the state.