Hong Kong’s first driverless car forced to test in mainland China
City’s car density and road obstacles are perfect for testing the car, but the government restricts such vehicles from operating on roads
Strict regulations have forced the first driverless vehicle built in Hong Kong to take its maiden road test on the mainland despite perfect conditions to do so in the city, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology researchers said on Monday.
The vehicle was developed by Professor Liu Ming and a team of eight students, who equipped a golf cart with an autopilot system that senses its environment.
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The density of cars and obstacles made Hong Kong for ideal real-world test conditions, Liu said, but the government restricts such vehicles from operating on roads.
“Hong Kong’s traffic situation is perfect for autonomous vehicles because roads are marked and separated clearly, and other drivers follow the traffic rules,” he said.
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Liu said he would like to talk to officials to see if the regulations could be eased. But if he is unable to convince them, he planned to take the vehicle to Shenzhen for testing.