Beijing approves plan to boost use of self-driving vehicles in city

The Chinese capital Beijing approved new rules on Tuesday to encourage self-driving technology in the city, with authorities planning to eventually allow the use of self-driving public buses and taxis.

The state-backed Beijing Daily reported that self-driving vehicles that pass road tests and safety assessments will be allowed to apply for road trials, adding that the new regulations will take effect from April 1.

It added that the city supports the use of self-driving vehicles including private cars, buses, trams and taxis, explaining that it wants to encourage the establishment of smart road infrastructure to support such transportation.