Ministers are expected to support changes to England’s laws that could allow low-speed autonomous delivery robots to operate on pavements more widely. Multiple outlets report that the government is preparing to update the legal framework governing these devices, which are commonly used for deliveries such as groceries and takeaway food. At present, such robots operate only in a limited number of areas and in a “regulatory grey area,” because existing rules do not clearly permit their use on footways.
The current legal position is linked to the 1835 Highways Act, which bars “carriages” from pavements. The proposed change would be designed to create clearer permission for delivery robots on sidewalks and other pedestrian paths, enabling deployment across more towns and cities.
Safety campaigners raise concerns about the potential risks of wider deployment on pavements that are already busy, pointing to the need for sufficient safety measures and oversight. The reported policy direction comes as ministers signal they are likely to back the change, though details of any final legislation or safeguards are still developing.
