The National Transport Commission (NTC) will seek industry views on the transition to automated vehicles in Australia.

It hopes to have an “end-to-end regulatory system” in place by 2020, so all levels of automated vehicles can operate safely and legally.

A regulation impact statement will be released for public consultation, with the effects on motor vehicle injury insurance among the issues considered.

“Evidence suggests automated vehicle technology has the potential to improve safety, efficiency and mobility in our communities,” NTC CEO Paul Retter said.

“However, there are important questions surrounding safety, insurance, the use of data, as well as how we define a ‘driver’ in the context of an automated vehicle.

“These issues are being addressed by the NTC as part of a comprehensive program of work… in collaboration with all levels of government to create an end-to-end regulatory system for automated vehicles.

“[This year] the NTC will also look at how existing driving laws should be amended to allow for automated vehicles, how motor vehicle injury insurance schemes could be affected and how government will access and use the data generated by these vehicles.”