CARS that can drive themselves could be on our roads within the next year according to the Government.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the technology would make our roads safer and create jobs, and that millions of pounds were being provided.
Shapps said: “The benefits have huge potential – improved access to education and other services and the creation of tens of thousands of jobs.
“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.”
It’s thought the introduction of the technology will create some 38,000 jobs in Britain and be worth £42billion to the economy.
The Government confirmed that £100million was being provided to get the tech and infrastructure up and running.
The catch is, that not just anybody will be able to climb into a car and be whisked away – you’ll still need a driving licence.
That’s because the self-driving tech will only be operational on some motorways and the driver will need to take charge of the car on smaller roads.
Only features such as lane-keeping technology will be legal at first, with greater autonomy that allows the driver to check emails or watch TV coming in 2025.
READ MORE ON AUTONOMUS CARS
It’s also hoped that some buses and delivery vehicles will be able to operate without a driver at all by the same year.
Edmund King, president of the AA 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.”
