Ontario will allow testing of self-driving cars on provincial roads starting in January 2016.
“Ontario will lead Canada as the first province to allow the testing of automated vehicles and related technologies on our roads,” said Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca at an announcement in Waterloo on Tuesday.
The government says the pilot project will allow companies to conduct research and development in Ontario, and help bring automated vehicles to market.
The self-driving vehicles are capable of detecting the surrounding environment using artificial intelligence, sensors and global positioning systems.
Many vehicles already have features to help keep drivers safe, including self-park vehicles, and features to keep drivers in their lane. Experts say these new technologies could take safety a step further.
“Having sensors around that can respond and react very, very quickly and that in various conditions can, you know, keep the roads safer and it’s also giving the ability to make the roads more efficient. Having cars maybe operate faster or operate closer together,” said Paul Rucco, President of Provectus Robotics Solutions Inc.
The government says automated and connected-vehicle technologies can improve fuel efficiency and help reduce traffic congestion, greenhouse gas emissions and driver distraction.
CTV spoke to a number of people in Ottawa about self-driving vehicles. Some of whom are excited about the idea.
“I think it would be interesting. I think we have the technology to make that happen,” said Phillipe Peauregard.
“I don’t know how to drive so that would be pretty convenient,” said Robin Loucka.
Others were not sold on the new vehicles.
“People… they need to take responsibility when they get behind a 2000 pound vehicle. Why leave it to chance? Why leave it to technology?” Said Anna Sawicki.
During their testing, the vehicles will have a human driver in the front seat, who can take over if something goes wrong.
