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Ministers likely to support law change to allow delivery robots on England’s paths
Exclusive: Safety campaigners concerned about plan for widespread deployment on already crowded pavements
TL;DR
- Ministers are leaning towards changing the law to permit more delivery robots on pavements in England.
- Safety campaigners express concern about increased congestion and potential hazards for pedestrians, especially vulnerable groups.
- The current legal status of delivery robots operating on pavements is unclear, often existing in a regulatory grey area.
- The US firm Starship Technologies, a major player in robot delivery, hopes to expand significantly in the UK.
- Living Streets charity is urging caution and advocating for pedestrian safety and accessibility to be primary considerations in any legal changes.