Raphael Thys
By 2025 the aim is for autonomous buses and delivery vehicles to run without the need for a drive
Self-driving vehicles could be running on motorways in the next year, the Government has revealed.
Drivers will still need to have a licence so they can take over on other roads.
But by 2025 the aim is for autonomous buses and delivery vehicles to run without the need for a driver.
After the announcement yesterday, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the vehicles would make roads safer, create up to 38,000 jobs and be worth £42 billion. The Government is spending £100million to promote the scheme.
Mr Shapps added: “The benefits have huge potential – improved access to education and other services and the creation of tens of thousands of jobs.
Smart detectors sense other traffic
“Most importantly, they’re expected to make our roads safer by reducing the dangers of driver error in collisions.
“We want to be at the forefront of this fantastic technology. That’s why we’re investing millions in safety research and setting legislation.”
AA president Edmund King said: “The Government is right to embrace the positive changes offered by this. Assisted driving systems such as autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control are already helping millions stay safe on the roads.
“But it is still quite a big leap from assisted driving, where the driver is still in control, to self-driving, where the car takes control. It’s important the Government studies how these vehicles would interact with other road users.”
