Self-driving cars get go-ahead

The 1-minute read to get all the money news plus expert adviser views.

Green light

Motorists can allow cars to drive themselves from later this year, as long as they’re on a motorway and going less than 37mph. The government says drivers with “Alks” tech can go hands-free, letting the car keep itself in lane and a safe distance from other vehicles. Insurers aren’t sure though - they say more work is needed to make self-driving cars safe, and it’s confusing to call them “automated” as the driver might need to take the wheel at any time.

Home sales double

£149 billion worth of homes have been bought so far this year†, double the figure over the same period in 2019 and 2020. It seems to be driven by demand, with buyer numbers higher than ever but fewer properties on the market. Zoopla reckons 1 in 50 homes has changed hands over the past year, compared to 1 in 100 in the 12 months before that.

Rents hikes

Rental prices are at their highest since 2015, averaging £982 per month outside London. Supply and demand is the culprit here too, with a big drop in available properties since before the pandemic. It’s a different story in the capital though - central London rents are down 6.5% compared to 5 years ago.

Amazon drivers speak out

MPs are under pressure to do more to protect Amazon workers, after a survey found 4 in 5 drivers have been pushed to drive dangerously, including by speeding, to meet their delivery targets. 90% have had to wee in a bottle during shifts and 86% they don’t have time to wash or sanitise their hands between deliveries.