Driverless cars have huge potential

Paula Marie Brown, Head of Transport at the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), said: “Driverless cars have huge potential to transform the UK's transport network. They could improve safety, reduce congestion and lower emissions, particularly CO2.

“There is already a level of automation in our cars, with cruise control and many people will be unaware that automation is already widespread on planes and on underground trains.

“Driverless cars could be particularly beneficial in helping to keep older people or those with disabilities mobile.

“From 2015, we will see trails in some of our cities that will address some of the issues around the public’s acceptance, liability and safety of driverless cars.  In the longer term, driverless vehicles are set to be a common sight on our roads.”