Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of autonomous robots on pavements on a) disabled people b) blind people c) those with a mobility aid d) those with a guide dog and e) wheelchair users.

Advances in technology have the potential to boost our economy and undertake dangerous jobs such as highways maintenance, but it is important the safety of pedestrians and vulnerable road users is put first.

We have announced that we intend to trial pavement robots using powers the Government is seeking through the Regulating for Growth Bill, but no permanent regulations will come into force without detailed public consultation.

A key part of the trial will be understanding the impact on pedestrians, particularly the most vulnerable groups.