A MAJOR shake-up to Britain’s roads will start to arrive from next year as the government announces plans to let self-driving vehicles take to the streets.
The £100 million project will see cars, coaches and lorries equipped with self-driving features allowed on motorways, with a wider rollout of the space-age transport by 2025.
Vehicles that can drive themselves on motorways could be available to purchase within the next year, which users would need a valid driving licence for, so they can drive on other roads.
And in three years time, some vehicles will be able to drive themselves, meaning those in the vehicles will not need a driving licence.
It is hoped that the technology will make better connections with rural communities, and reduce vehicle collisions.
An example given is tailored on-demand links from rural towns and villages to existing public transport options nearby. They could also provide more direct and timely services that enable people to better access vital services such as schools and medical appointments.
It’s thought that the investment will create 38,000 jobs and generate £42 billion to the economy.
The government is pledging £34 million in research in safety developments and to create detailed legislation to ensure the self-driving cars have the right software to ensure they can be safe in all weathers, as well as interacting with pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles.
And there is a £20 million pot to set up commercial self-driving services, such as grocery deliveries, and shuttle pods at airports.
A further £6 million will also be used for further market research and to support commercialisation of the technology.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “The benefits of self-driving vehicles have the potential to be huge. Not only can they improve people’s access to education and other vital services, but the industry itself can create tens of thousands of job opportunities throughout the country.
“Most importantly, they’re expected to make our roads safer by reducing the dangers of driver error in road collisions.”
The move to the future has been welcomed by AA president, Edmund King, who said the technology could bring positive changes.
“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 is important that the Government does study how these vehicles would interact with other road users on different roads and changing weather conditions.
“However the ultimate prize, in terms of saving thousands of lives and improving the mobility of the elderly and the less mobile, is well worth pursuing.”
