A Government announcement has seemingly paved the way for driverless cars to take to UK roads from the start of next year.
Business Secretary Vince Cable made the announcement during a visit to MIRA, formerly the Motor Industry Research Association, where he launched a competition for UK cities to host a driverless car trial. Entrant cities are now able to bid for a share of a £10milllion pot set aside for the scheme, with up to three being selected for the trial period of 18-36 months from January 2015.
The driverless cars competition is being funded by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Department for Transport, in partnership with the UK's innovation agency, the Technology Strategy Board.
A Government review into the regulation of driverless cars in the UK was also announced, which will look into both vehicles which include a qualified driver who can take control when needed, and fully autonomous vehicles with no driver.
“The excellence of our scientists and engineers has established the UK as a pioneer in the development of driverless vehicles through pilot projects”, said Mr Cable.
“Today's announcement will see driverless cars take to our streets in less than 6 months, putting us at the forefront of this transformational technology and opening up new opportunities for our economy and society.”
Welcoming the minister’s announcement, MIRA's Chief Commercial and Technical Officer Dr Geoff Davis said, “Our 10 years of experience developing driverless car solutions with successful applications in defence and security as well as cooperative systems in road transport applications means we are already working on a number of projects that explore the potential of connected and cooperative driverless cars.”
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