Chinese public security authorities have issued 16,000 test licences for autonomous vehicles.

The Ministry of Public Security announced this on Tuesday.

At a news conference in Beijing, the ministry also revealed that 32,000 kilometres of roads nationwide have been opened for autonomous vehicle testing.

These initiatives have provided strong support for the advancement of autonomous driving technology in China, said Wang Qiang, a senior official from the ministry.

He noted that the ministry has collaborated with relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and Transport, to improve management and support for the autonomous driving industry.

Over the years, regulations and law provisions have been formulated or revised to govern various aspects of the industry in China, including road testing, registration, and traffic safety liability for driverless vehicles.

Mr Wang said the ministry would continue working to promote the autonomous driving industry and the upgrading of the automotive industry in China.

Also highlighted at the news conference were the reform measures implemented by traffic management authorities to streamline services for issuing licenses, handling traffic accidents, and other aspects of traffic management.

According to data from the ministry, 250 million digital driver’s licences have been issued nationwide.

A pilot programme for digital vehicle licences has been launched in 60 cities, including Beijing, with digital vehicle licenses issued to over 22 million vehicle owners. 

(Xinhua/NAN)