Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for Transport what are the timeline and milestones towards achieving (i) island-wide full operational deployment of autonomous vehicles (AVs) (ii) the implementation of associated infrastructure across Singapore and (iii) the introduction of regulations and laws governing the use of AVs.
Reply by Minister for Transport S Iswaran:
1. The timeline for the deployment of AVs in Singapore is dependent on the progress of AV technology in meeting safety standards and gaining public acceptance, within our local context.
2. Globally, AV companies are still conducting early trials and developing the technology for the diverse range of environments in different cities, including Singapore. The technology is not ready for large-scale city-wide deployment.
3. Our approach to AV deployment will be gradual and inclusive. We will ensure that AVs meet the necessary safety standards to pave the way for public acceptance. In tandem, the relevant agencies will plan and develop the associated infrastructure, as well as the legislative and regulatory framework to support AV deployment, in close partnership with industry players and technical experts.