Legislation to allow the trial of automated vehicles in NSW has passed both Houses of Parliament.

Roads, Maritime and Freight Minister Melinda Pavey said the legislation would establish a legislative framework to allow the safe testing of connected and highly automated vehicle technology in NSW.

“These new laws will enable industry, researchers and government to trial automated vehicle technologies on our roads, not only in the city but in regional areas as well,” Mrs Pavey said.

“The Government is positioning NSW as a leader in innovation, because we’re able to test and trial emerging technologies in our road environment while maintaining public safety.”

The legislation allows the Minister to approve trials – including type of vehicles, roads used and trial time period – and require trial applicants to have the appropriate insurance provisions and safety management plans in place.

In another first for NSW, the Government last week announced the trial of a driverless shuttle bus at Sydney Olympic Park.

The Government has joined forces with HMI Technologies, NRMA, Telstra and IAG for the two year trial, with the ultimate goal of finding the best way to harness the next generation of driverless technology and how to make it work for NSW.

Mrs Pavey said that NSW had taken the lead and the passing of the legislation signals that NSW is open for business for automotive technology investment and innovation.

“The first stage of the trial at the Newington Armory will conduct tests and safety checks in a secure, off-road environment.

“We will then extend the trial to public use with the shuttle making the rounds on the roads at Sydney Olympic Park.”

Mrs Pavey said workers at Sydney Olympic Park were expected to use the automated shuttle next year, becoming the first to test-ride this new technology before we start seeing it on our roads.

“We want to use the trial to help develop the systems that will enable automated vehicles to be connected to our infrastructure, like traffic lights and to our customers through their devices and applications. It’s the combination of connectivity and automation that will provide the safety and mobility benefits we are looking for.

The NSW Government established the Smart Innovation Centre, to work with industry to develop trials and explore smarter solutions for future transport plans in metropolitan and regional areas.

For more information about the NSW Smart Shuttle trial and the vehicle visit www.transport.nsw.gov.au/smartshuttle

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