Hong Kong needs to take a more cautious approach to implementing driverless technology, particularly on crowded roads, industry leaders have warned. Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan last week discussed the city’s efforts to step up trials on self-driving vehicles, with plans to officially introduce passenger services and commercial applications, such as ride-hailing, within one to two years. Such services have already existed in mainland China for at least six years. Chan told a Legislative Council meeting on Wednesday that testing had reached level four of highly automated driving, aligned with national and global standards and indicating that the city matched the mainland and other parts of the world on the technology. The Society of Automotive Engineers has defined international standards for autonomous vehicles using a six-tier system, with zero meaning no automation and level five, full automation. The system has been widely adopted globally by the automotive industry and regulatory bodies. Lawmaker Gary Zhang Xinyu said Hong Kong could catch up with the mainland in terms of self-driving technology, pointing to the city’s strong road infrastructure and progressive regulations as attractive to foreign companies in the field.
Despite the enthusiasm for driverless technology in Hong Kong, industry leaders are cautioning against rushing into implementation on crowded roads. This warning comes as Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan discussed plans to accelerate trials on self-driving vehicles last week. The aim is to introduce passenger services and commercial applications like ride-hailing within the next one to two years. These services have already been in operation in mainland China for over six years, indicating a more advanced stage of implementation. Chan highlighted that testing in Hong Kong had reached level four of highly automated driving, in line with both national and global standards. This achievement signifies that the city is on par with the mainland and other regions when it comes to embracing this technology.
The Society of Automotive Engineers has established international standards for autonomous vehicles through a six-tier system, ranging from zero automation to full automation at level five. This system has gained widespread acceptance within the automotive industry and regulatory bodies worldwide. Lawmaker Gary Zhang Xinyu expressed optimism that Hong Kong could close the gap with the mainland in terms of self-driving technology. He emphasized the city’s robust road infrastructure and forward-thinking regulations as key attractions for foreign companies operating in this sector. As the city moves forward with its plans for driverless technology, it is essential to proceed with caution to ensure the safety and efficiency of these innovations on Hong Kong’s busy streets.
