The UK is already at an advantage over most of Europe in researching autonomous vehicles because it never ratified the Vienna Convention, which requires “every driver shall at all times be able to control his vehicle”.Now with the vote to split from the EU, that lead could be increased with Britain unfettered by European red tape, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Mike Hawes, chief executive of the society, said: “Britain is already perceived as an attractive test-bed for technologies; Brexit may make it more attractive.” He noted that internet connections to allow autonomous cars to communicate with each other so they can avoid crashes can generate privacy issues for drivers. However, the UK has a more liberal attitude to this subject than much of Europe, meaning that legal issues around testing self-driving cars are likely to be less complicated in this country.