The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport on March 5 announced the launch of long-distance self-driving trucks covering long distances on 44 highway routes nationwide. Shown is such a vehicle from Mars Auto, a domestic provider of autonomous truck solutions. (Mars Auto)

By Lee Dasom

Long-distance self-driving trucks on March 5 began running on 44 highway routes across the country.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said it expanded that day pilot operation of such vehicles from select sections of four highway routes spanning a combined 332.3 km to 44 covering 5,224 km. The move is intended to commercialize high-speed self-driving service for long distances.

In December last year, the ministry designated the sections including on the Gyeongbu Expressway for trial operation of self-driving vehicles, creating the conditions for cargo delivery by such trucks.

To reflect the autonomous driving industry's opinions that changing transportation routes depending on traffic conditions faces limits and that new routes are needed based on new transportation demand, the ministry's committee on areas used for autonomous vehicle testing on March 4 approved a plan to expand zones for pilot operations.

Fee-based cargo delivery service using the high-tech trucks will thus be allowed on all domestic highways.

The ministry will also approve autonomous cargo transportation service after confirming safety through high-speed preliminary testing for companies applying for permits.

Kim Hong-mok, head of the ministry's Mobility and Motor Vehicles Bureau, said, "We will actively back research and testing within pilot highway operation zones so that our country's self-driving companies can secure the lead on the global market for autonomous cargo transportation."

dlektha0319@korea.kr