Modern Transport Bill 2016 will be a major boost for UK manufacturing

The Queen's Speech last week set out the British government’s agenda for the coming session, outlining proposed policies and legislation. One of the key announcements was the Modern Transport Bill, which looks set to transform the automotive technology industry in the UK.

Johnathan Dudley, Head of Manufacturing Business at Crowe Clark Whitehill, commented on the Bill:

“One of the key items in the Queen’s Speech today was the Modern Transport Bill, which contains measures to encourage investment in driverless cars, electric cars, commercial space planes and drones. This is good news for the UK manufacturing sector which has the skills and now the opportunity to make a big impact in all these areas.

“The driverless car scene in particular is already a growth area in the UK and we anticipate a raft of incentives for manufacturers here. The Queen’s reference to putting the UK ‘at the forefront of safe technology in the autonomous vehicles industry’ reflects the UK’s reputation for safe manufacturing on the global stage; as such we can expect stringent safety regulation to play a key role.

“Meanwhile the measures announced around flying drones are to be welcomed. They have the potential to transform the logistics industry here and in other countries. UK involvement in drone technology is high and British manufacturing is well placed to supply a potentially huge market going forward. As with driverless cars, the Government is positioning the UK manufacturing sector as a safe pair of hands and we welcome the investment this Bill will bring.”

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