92. The representative of Finland, Ambassador of the WP.29 and WP.1 on Automated Driving, reported on the activities of WP.1 including automated vehicles. He informed WP.29 about relevant proceedings of the September 2017 session of WP.1. He informed WP.29 that the proposal on the consistency of Vienna Convention and the UN Vehicle Regulations was deferred to the next session of WP.1.

93. The Ambassador informed the World Forum about discussions that took place on “secondary activities” that can be performed by the driver when supported by automated driving technologies. He confirmed WP.29 that the WP.1 informal group of experts would prepare a document for discussions in this respect as activities at the national level were already initiated due to the approaching introduction on the market of vehicles equipped with SAE level 3 automation systems. He added that discussions also addressed Remote Control Parking (RCP), concluding that the functionality did not compromise road safety, even though the driver operating the vehicle would be located outside of the vehicle. He continued that the discussion on the RCP prompted more discussion on other situations where the driver might be outside of the vehicle and that it was decided that discussions on the subject would be continued at a later stage.

94. The Ambassador informed that World Forum on the decision of WP.1 to start working on a guidance document on highly and fully automated driving; the first version was expected to be adopted in 2018. He added that because of this ambitious deadline, WP.1 decided that a special session of WP.1 would be dedicated to this topic and would be held on 6-7 December 2017.

95. The Ambassador stressed the importance of continued close cooperation between WP.29 and WP.1 and their subsidiary expert groups as road safety concerns stemming from the technological evolution towards automated driving cannot be addressed without insight and expertise on vehicle technology and competence in road traffic safety.

96. The Chair of WP.29 encouraged the continued cooperation of WP.29 and WP.1 counterparts with regard to automation.

97. WP.29 also noted the information provided on the combined session of WP.1 and GRRF on 20 September 2017.