Autonomous vehicles are also referred to as self-driving cars. Although automated vehicles are a hot topic in the global automotive industry, there are currently no self-driving cars on the roads of South Africa. The South African government plans to introduce them in the future; however, legal and safety issues need to be addressed first. While fully autonomous cars are still developing in South Africa, semi-autonomous features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance are now available in South Africa.
South Africa currently has no legislation that allows the manufacturing or use of autonomous vehicles. Although the South African National Road Traffic Act contains no regulations on autonomous vehicles or their technology, the National Department of Transport states that companies may test autonomous vehicles as long as they do not endanger road users. In addition, the National Department of Transport indicated that legislation would be implemented well before autonomous vehicles were allowed on public roads.
Autonomous vehicles could offer South Africa a range of benefits, such as reduced road accidents and crashes, reduced commute times, and accessible transportation options for people with disabilities or those who cannot drive, enhancing mobility and inclusivity. Apart from exciting possibilities, South Africa faces many challenges in making autonomous vehicles a reality. South Africa’s infrastructure needs significant upgrades to support this technology. Affordability is a key factor. Since automated cars are expensive, these costs could limit widespread adoption in South Africa.
South Africa also currently lacks legal frameworks for autonomous vehicles. Many people in South Africa remain skeptical about the safety of self-driving cars. Therefore, building trust through rigorous testing and transparent communication will be crucial.
Fully autonomous vehicles may not dominate South African roads anytime soon. Semi-autonomous features will likely become more common as manufacturers integrate them into new models. However, governments and private companies must collaborate to develop infrastructure, introduce regulations, and create public awareness about the technology’s potential.
This Post was submitted by Climate Scorecard South Africa Country Manager Rugare Zhou.
Reference
- https://www.changecars.co.za/blogs/the-future-of-autonomous-vehicles-in-south-africa#:~:text=South%20Africa%20currently%20lacks%20legal,vehicles%20can%20hit%20the%20roads
- https://formex.co.za/news/regulations-on-self-driving-cars-to-be-introduced-in-south-africa/#:~:text=Self%2Ddriving%20cars%20in%20the%20South%20African%20context,(like%20satellite%20communication%20systems).
- https://mybroadband.co.za/news/motoring/257325-self-driving-cars-are-not-allowed-on-south-african-roads.html