Driverless cars heading to public roads

In a bid to encourage the development of driverless cars on British roads, Vince Cable has announced a £10 million investment for research projects.

Currently, driverless cars are only allowed on private roads. However, with funding from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Department for Transport, driverless cars are expected to begin testing on public roads in 2015.

From today, interested local research institutions will be able to apply for funding by submitting a business case.

The Department of Transport will also launch a review of road regulations to remove red tape and provide legal framework to facilitate driverless vehicles taking to British roads.

In his announcement at the Mira Test Track in Nuneaton, Vince said:

"By building on our world leading science and engineering base, the UK can become the global hub for research and development in to driverless vehicles. Today's announcement will see driverless cars take to our streets in less than six months, putting us at the forefront of this important technology and opening up new opportunities for our economy and society.

"Through the Government's industrial strategy we are backing the automotive sector as it goes from strength to strength. We are providing the right environment to give businesses the confidence to invest and create high skilled jobs."