Ontario Allows Testing Of Autonomous Cars
Whether we like it or not, self-driving cars are in development and need to be tested on public roads. Once these vehicles hit the retail market, our road infrastructure will have to be ready for them, and Ontario is the first province to step up to the plate.
According to the government, there are currently nearly 100 companies and institutions involved in connected vehicle and automated vehicle industries, so the announced pilot project will enable them to pursue their research and development. Ontario is also throwing another $500,000 into the Ontario Centres of Excellence Connected Vehicle/Automated Vehicle Program, after previously funding $2.45 million dollars.
These companies and institutions will be able to start their on-road testing beginning January 1st, 2016. “Ontario is making its claim in the global marketplace by taking the next steps in automated vehicle innovation,” said Steven Del Duca, Ontario’s Minister of Transportation. “The automated vehicle pilot will ensure that the province’s roads remain safe without creating burdens that stifle investment and innovation in Ontario’s dynamic business environment.”
According to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, autonomous vehicles are the most promising form of intelligent transportation, and will account for 75 percent of cars on the road by the year 2040.
