San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie has announced plans to introduce stricter safety regulations for autonomous vehicle (AV) operators in the city. The move comes after a recent hours-long gridlock event that caused significant disruptions to traffic and commute times. The mayor's office cited concerns over the increased risk of accidents involving self-driving cars.
As part of his proposal, Lurie is calling for more stringent requirements on AV manufacturers like Waymo, which has been operating in San Francisco with its autonomous taxi service. He wants to ensure that these vehicles are equipped with robust safety features and undergo regular testing before they hit the roads. The mayor's office also plans to increase funding for public safety campaigns aimed at educating drivers about the risks of AVs.
The new regulations would apply not only to Waymo but also other AV companies operating in San Francisco. Lurie has stated that he believes the current lack of oversight has put human lives at risk and that it is time for the city to take a more active role in regulating the industry. The mayor's proposal has sparked interest among AV advocates, who argue that stricter regulations will help protect both humans and machines on the road.