Plans to allow thousands of autonomous delivery robots on England's pavements have sparked concerns over pedestrian safety, with charities warning they could create chaos in already crowded streets. The Department for Transport (DfT) is poised to back a law change, placing the devices alongside electric mobility scooters and wheelchairs under the 1835 Highways Act.
The move would clarify the legal status of these low-speed robots, which currently operate in a grey area due to an outdated law. The DfT has launched a public consultation on the proposals, despite opposition from pedestrian safety charities like Living Streets, who argue that pavements will become more congested and hazardous for vulnerable users.
Autonomous delivery robots are already seen in several UK towns and cities, including Cambridge, Bristol, Milton Keynes, Sheffield, Leeds, and Barnsley. US-based firm Starship Technologies has ambitions to deploy over 10,000 robots across England and may establish a manufacturing site in the UK if the government clarifies the law.
Living Streets has launched a campaign called 'Pavement Overload', highlighting concerns that these robots could create significant hazards for pedestrians, particularly those with mobility issues. The charity argues that the devices can be difficult to detect by visually impaired individuals and their guide dogs.
Catherine Woodhead, Chief Executive of Living Streets, urged the DfT to resist legalising the widespread use of delivery robots on pavements, stating "We believe that pavements are for people, not machines." She called for any future consultations on powered devices on pavements to prioritise pedestrian safety and accessibility.
A government spokesperson confirmed that while innovation is welcomed, pedestrian safety must be paramount. The law change would proceed as soon as parliamentary time allows, but no specific timeline has been given.