PAS 1881:2022 Assuring the operational safety of automated vehicles – Specification

PAS 1881:2022 specifies requirements for operational safety cases and the supporting safety management system for automated vehicle (AV) trials and testing in the UK to demonstrate that the operation of AVs can be undertaken safely and securely. It is the first full revision of the PAS.

Building a safety case is a key step to preparing for safe trialling of automated vehicles. This PAS creates a standardized and consistent approach to operational safety case development.

It covers the development of an operational safety case to demonstrate that the risks to all affected parties throughout the operation of automated vehicles are reduced as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP) and to an acceptable level. It also helps to boost public and consumer confidence in the technology.

Principal users will be trialling organizations, including private developers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), developing safety cases for AV trials and testing.

It should also be useful to organizations requiring assurance that a safety case has been developed in line with good practice. For example:

• Highway authorities
• Road operators
• Landowners
• Leaseholders
• Insurers
• Organizations developing and implementing automation in off-highway environments