The National Transport Commission (NTC) has released options for a safety assurance system covering automated vehicles, saying recorded data will be necessary to aid insurers and other groups.

CEO Paul Retter says the NTC Regulation Impact Statement will assist in a smooth uptake of the technology.

The NTC is responsible for developing an end-to-end regulatory system for the safe commercial deployment of automated vehicles in Australia by 2020.

Options being studied include the need for the entity behind the driving system having the ability to provide recorded data, as necessary, to parties such as police and insurers.

“To assist with enforcing road traffic laws, automated vehicles should record whether the human driver or [automated system] was in control at a particular time, and the level of automation engaged,” the paper says.

“The vehicle should also record crash or near-miss data to assist insurers and road agencies.”

Four options in the impact statement range from a minimal approach to more active oversight.

The commission’s preference involves a legislated self-certification system, a dedicated regulator, specific offences, compliance and enforcement options, and a “primary safety duty” on technology providers.

The statement proposes 11 self-certification criteria for the driving system and three obligations to manage liability for events such as traffic law breaches and crashes.

The technology provider would need a corporate presence in Australia for liability purposes and should meet minimum financial requirements, including holding appropriate insurance.

Human error and dangerous choices are currently estimated to cause up to 94% of serious crashes. Submissions are due by July 9 and can be lodged here.