Driverless delivery vans could soon take to French roads

Driverless delivery vans might soon be spotted in France after the transport ministry published an official order (arrêté) paving the way for their use on public roads.

With this “regulatory breakthrough”, France has become one of the first countries in the world to implement a framework allowing their use, according to an announcement published on the government website this summer.

“This decision reflects our ambition to accelerate the roll-out of autonomous vehicles in France,” said Minister of Transport Philippe Tabarot.

“By paving the way for the official approval of autonomous delivery robots, our country is confirming its position among the most advanced in this field.”

The order specifies that the vehicles must be compact in size – up to 4m long, 2m wide, and 2.5m high – and can carry a payload of up to 1,000kg. They are electric and designed for short-distance journeys on public roads, not pavements.

Similar autonomous delivery robots are already in use in the US and UK, although mostly on pavements.

Both the UN and the EU are still working to establish an international framework for on-road machines.

France is keen to push ahead, having carried out more than 200 trials involving autonomous vehicles since 2015.

“These robots will help to create cleaner, quieter and more efficient urban logistics, benefitting authorities, businesses and citizens. It is our responsibility to enable innovation without compromising safety. The arrêté is proof of that,” said Mr Tabarot.

The autonomous robots are remotely monitored for safety and to track any difficulties, and are equipped with sensors to perceive their surroundings and identify obstacles.

Software, which may incorporate AI, analyses data, and directs it within a predefined area or route.

The robots are grouped into the same vehicle category (L) as motorised tricycles and quadricycles.

Their maximum speed depends on where they are operating, but is generally 6km/h in pedestrian areas, 25km/h on streets with a 30km/h speed limit, and 45km/h on other roads.

Local and regional authorities will be responsible for defining where these robots will be allowed. Precise details have not yet been announced.

In towns, cities and urban areas, the government believes the vehicles could “help to reduce emissions and noise pollution, improve the efficiency of deliveries, and enhance the quality of life”.

French robot manufacturer TwinswHeel has already experimented with some of its autonomous road delivery robots in Montpellier.

Co-founder Vincent Talon told The Connexion: “The robots will resume operation as soon as we have all the necessary permits.”

He hopes they can help transport firms, postal services and traditional delivery firms that are struggling to recruit delivery drivers in city centres.

Tesla self-driving tests

France has also authorised tests of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) system in two cars on public roads, less than two months after the government said it was not yet safe enough to approve the technology.

The decision was taken after a “constructive exchange” between Mr Tabarot and Elon Musk and was announced in September.

FSD is a driver assistance system. It can accelerate, brake, and steer a car but a human driver must remain responsible for the vehicle and ready to intervene.