Autonomous vehicles, better known as self-driving vehicles, are changing the way we think about driving. Instead of you steering the wheel, smart technology takes over. These vehicles read the road using sensors, cameras, radar and LiDAR, then make split-second decisions powered by AI.
Automation also comes in many levels, some of which you are already seeing in vehicles today. At the bottom, Level 0 means you’re doing everything yourself. At the top, Level 5 is full autonomy: the car handles every situation, in any condition, without you lifting a finger. Imagine sitting back while your vehicle does all the work, that’s the future.
Why it matters for transport and fleet management
Autonomous vehicles are reshaping how we move goods and people, this is a huge potential for fleets. These new forms of vehicles can make roads safer by reducing human error, which causes most road incidents. They also run longer with less strain on maintenance, helping fleets cut downtime.
Now, what about driver shortages? Still a big challenge. Fleet News points out that the introduction of autonomous vehicles can reduce the bottom line and ease the pressure on drivers. The Road Haulage Association says the UK needs 40,000 new HGV drivers every year for the next five years to avoid another crisis. That’s a lot of seats to fill.
The benefits go further. Removing the driver changes the economics of fleet management; lower salary costs, smarter routing and reduced emissions. Fleet News reports autonomy could cut carbon output by up to 30% and even reduce insurance costs thanks to improved safety.
While full autonomy is not yet standard, many fleets already utilise semi-autonomous features that assist the driver, such as adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking and lane departure warning systems. In a recent Webfleet survey, the majority of fleet decision-makers (92%) believe autonomous driving safety features will play a transformative role in fleet safety over the next decade
The journey is ongoing, but the impact on UK fleets will be significant. Next, we’ll look at how these systems work, the challenges they bring and what the future might hold.
How do driverless vehicles work?
Driverless trucks in the UK might sound like science fiction, but the reality is closer than most expect. These vehicles combine advanced sensors, high-definition cameras and intelligent software to navigate safely without a person at the wheel. Every movement is guided by systems that process road conditions in real time, making decisions in milliseconds. Behind the scenes, powerful connectivity ensures trucks share data with other vehicles and infrastructure, creating a network that works together for safer and smarter journeys.
How they see the road
Autonomous vehicles gather information about their environment using highly sensitive sensors, which help facilitate smoother, smarter driving and reduce sharp braking. A foundational technology enabling this is LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), a remote detection method similar to radar. LiDAR sensors operate by emitting infrared light pulses and measuring the time it takes for these pulses to reflect off nearby objects. Integrating advanced solid-state LiDAR sensors into commercial vehicles is crucial as they improve spatial awareness and efficient obstacle detection up to 360° around the vehicle.
The role of AI
Artificial intelligence is what turns raw data into smart decisions. It predicts traffic patterns, plans routes, and even helps fleets cut downtime with predictive maintenance. In the UK, AI is a big strength in the connected mobility sector. AI also enhances the analysis of telematics and safety data, providing deeper insights into driver behavior and vehicle performance. Generative AI is now being tested to give fleet managers instant answers to complex questions; imagine asking for your fleet’s fuel efficiency and getting the answer in seconds. This is possible with the Webfleet Fleet Advisor.
Cameras and telematics
The successful adoption of autonomous vehicles requires connected data platforms. Innovations in telematics are set to play a pivotal role, offering the critical data insights and connected technologies needed to facilitate self-driving aspirations. Combine this with high-definition (HD) cameras and you have Webfleet Video, the perfect mix of vehicle visibility and insights.
Why connectivity matters
Connected vehicles talk to traffic lights, other cars, and even road signs. This keeps traffic flowing and cuts emissions. While self-driving basics don’t need constant connectivity, advanced features do. The UK is pushing for better coverage, but right now only 66% of major roads have strong 4G. The move to 5G will unlock even more possibilities, like remote driving and full Vehicle-to-Everything communication.
Levels of automation in autonomous vehicles
Not all “driverless” technology is the same. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) uses a scale from Level 0 to Level 5 to show how much a vehicle does on its own. Here’s what that means for you:
- Level 0 – No automation: You’re in full control. The car doesn’t help with driving tasks.
- Level 1 – Driver assistance: Features like lane-keeping or adaptive cruise control lend a hand, but you’re still in charge.
- Level 2 – Partial automation: The car can steer and manage speed in certain conditions. You must stay alert and ready to take over.
- Level 3 – Conditional automation: The system can handle driving in specific scenarios, but you need to step in when asked.
- Level 4 – High automation: The vehicle drives itself in defined areas, like a depot or port. No driver attention needed, but it’s limited to those zones.
- Level 5 – Full automation: The complete autonomous vehicle scenario, that drives anywhere, anytime, with zero human input. Experts say this won’t happen before 2035.
Self-driving trucks and their role in fleet management
Autonomous development is shifting from cars to long-haul trucks, where the biggest gains lie. For transport firms, the benefits are clear: lower fuel costs, no enforced rest breaks and a way to tackle driver shortages.
Autonomous trucks are proving their worth on set routes. Volvo’s electric Vera, for instance, moved containers between a logistics hub and a port in partnership with DFDS. In the US, TuSimple completed a 951-mile depot-to-depot run in just over 14 hours; a job that usually takes more than a day. These trucks won’t replace drivers entirely, but they can ease long-haul strain and make the role more appealing.
To reinforce the message above, connected data platforms are key to moving towards autonomous vehicles. Webfleet delivers the insights fleets need for this shift, from optimised routing, to tools like vehicle diagnostics, keeping vehicles on the road. Safety technology such as Webfleet Video and OptiDrive 360 adds AI-driven monitoring and feedback, supporting safer, more efficient operations in human-assisted autonomous stages.
Benefits and challenges of driverless vehicles in the UK
Autonomous trucks are gaining momentum, and driverless trucks in the UK could unlock major benefits for fleets. It is expected to cut human error, which a recent Fleetworld article mentioned, accounts for 88% of all road collisions. Not only reduced incidences but also think; lower emissions, fewer delays and streamlined operations. They also support sustainability goals, as many models are electric, helping fleets reduce emissions. However, challenges still remain; complex road networks, secure data sharing and driver confidence all need attention.
The future of autonomous vehicles in the UK
The Automated Vehicles Act (AVA) 2024 defines the safe introduction of self-driving vehicles in the UK, demanding they match or exceed the safety quality of an experienced human driver. When the vehicle is operating autonomously, legal liability shifts to the company authorized to operate the technology, rather than the driver. After regulation creation in 2024–2025, the UK Government is backing this shift with trials for autonomous taxis and buses in UK cities planned for 2026. Visit our latest blog to discover more about this legislation.
Learn more about connected and driverless fleet technology
Driverless trucks in the UK aren’t mainstream yet, but the shift toward autonomous trucks is accelerating. The real question; how prepared is your fleet? Strong visibility and live insights are the foundation for what’s next. Start building that today so tomorrow’s transition feels effortless.
Want to see what readiness looks like? Talk to us to explore how you can future-proof your fleet.
