Transport Department issues pilot licence for autonomous vehicles

     The Transport Department (TD) announced today (December 19) that a pilot licence for autonomous vehicles (AVs) has been issued in accordance with section 4(1) of the Road Traffic (Autonomous Vehicles) Regulation (Cap. 374AA) to allow the applicant to conduct AV trial at the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD).

     The applicant of this pilot licence is approved to conduct trial for two AVs in the WKCD at a specified time on specified road sections between the WKCD West Gate, the WKCD private road section, the WKCDA Project Site Office, Museum Drive and Cultural Drive. During the trial, the backup operator stationed on board shall take over control of the vehicle if necessary.

     Details of the pilot licence have been uploaded to the TD's website on AV trials (www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/taoav/index.html).

     A spokesman for the TD said that upon receipt of an application for a pilot licence, the TD will consider various factors including the design operating range and functions of the autonomous system submitted by the applicant, relevant international or national standards/guidelines, and the road test situations, based on the Code of Practice for Trial and Pilot Use of Autonomous Vehicles before approval. The TD will exercise stringent control with a view to promoting AV trials in Hong Kong in a safe and orderly manner.

     The TD welcomes interested organisations or enterprises to submit applications and act in concert to promote the further development of autonomous driving in Hong Kong.