Nissan has announced plans to evaluate the UK’s preparedness for introducing autonomous driving (AD) technology.

It follows the completion of its latest research project into self-driving systems.

The new study will explore the country’s infrastructure, public attitudes, and regulatory landscape to determine how soon advanced driverless vehicles could become a reality on UK roads.

In theory

For over a decade, driverless vehicles have been in the headlines on and off, for good and bad.

There have been plenty of positive and negative stories, not least from the US, where the technology has been given many more licenses to be experimented with on public roads.

Taxi services and Tesla’s autonomous driving programme have been popular testing areas, though reliability and public preparedness for a green light for the technology takeover remains to be seen.

Other countries around the globe have been experimenting more slowly and under strict, limited conditions.

However, as the technology improves at speed, the race is on to be at the head of the field when real-world licensing is agreed upon, both for manufacturers and countries.

Laying to road

Nissan’s latest move follows its continued investment in AD technology, including extensive trials of self-driving systems through its HumanDrive and ServCity projects.

These tested autonomous capabilities in real-world urban environments.

With the automotive industry moving rapidly towards automation, Nissan aims to identify key challenges and opportunities for integrating driverless technology into the UK’s transport network.

Evaluating the UK

The UK government has set ambitious targets to make the country a leader in autonomous vehicle technology, aiming to roll out self-driving cars by 2025 and generate a £42 billion industry by 2035.

However, Nissan’s study will examine whether the UK’s infrastructure, laws, and public perception are ready for widespread AD adoption.

Key aspects of the study will include:

  • Road infrastructure – Assessing whether motorways, urban streets, and rural roads are equipped to support self-driving vehicles.
  • Public acceptance – Understanding driver and pedestrian attitudes towards AD technology and safety concerns.
  • Regulatory and legal frameworks – Examining government policies, liability laws, and data protection requirements for autonomous vehicles.

David Moss, Senior Vice President for Nissan’s Research & Development in Europe, said:
“Autonomous driving technology has the potential to transform mobility, making transport safer, more efficient, and more accessible. However, for it to be successful, we need a well-prepared ecosystem that includes not just vehicle technology but also road networks, legislation, and public confidence. Our study will provide critical insights into the UK’s readiness for this shift.”

Lessons from the past

Nissan’s latest autonomous driving research project focused on refining AD systems in complex urban environments.

his follows the success of the ServCity project, which trialled self-driving vehicles in central London, testing how autonomous technology interacts with smart city infrastructure such as traffic signals and connected roads.

Prior to that, Nissan led the HumanDrive project, in which an autonomous Nissan Leaf successfully completed a 230-mile journey across the UK, navigating roundabouts, country lanes, and motorways without human intervention.

These projects demonstrated the technical feasibility of AD technology but also highlighted infrastructure gaps that could delay its widespread rollout.

Issues such as outdated road markings, inconsistent signage, and the lack of smart traffic systems remain barriers to full autonomy.

Perceptions and concerns

While self-driving technology promises to reduce road crashes — human error currently accounts for 90% of collisions — public trust remains a significant hurdle.

A 2023 survey by the UK’s Transport Research Laboratory found that 60% of UK drivers remain sceptical about sharing roads with autonomous vehicles, citing safety, hacking risks, and ethical concerns as their primary worries.

Nissan’s study intends to address these concerns by engaging with policymakers, businesses, and the public to understand their expectations and fears surrounding AD.

It is believed the findings will help shape future industry developments and inform government strategies for rolling out autonomous transport solutions.

Evolving the motoring world

As Nissan embarks on this crucial assessment, the results could determine how soon fully autonomous vehicles become a common sight on UK roads.

While the technology is advancing rapidly, the UK’s readiness for driverless cars will ultimately depend on more than just the vehicles themselves — it will require a transformation of the entire transport ecosystem.