Self-driving vehicles could hit the UK as early as 2026 after a new law permitting the technology on UK roads was given Royal Assent.

The Automated Vehicles (AV) Act, which became law on Monday (20 May), will allow self-driving vehicles on the roads as long as they achieve a level of safety as high as “careful and competent” human drivers. The vehicles will also be required to meet rigorous safety checks.

The Department for Transport (DfT) said the sector could create over 38,000 new jobs and generate £42bn for the UK economy by 2035.

Both MPs and the automotive sector had recently issued warnings that the UK risks squandering its lead in the technology if the legislation to make their operation possible was not quickly passed.

A major element of the law makes companies, rather than individuals, responsible for a vehicle when it’s self-driving without human monitoring required. In situations where it does not make sense for a human to be liable, the person will be given immunity from any...