Driverless cars could significantly reduce traffic delays, according to a new study by the Department for Transport.
A project using virtual models of various parts of the UK road network, including 20km of motorway, found that traffic flow improved as the proportion of automated vehicles increased.
Transport Minister Johns Hayes said: “This extensive study shows that driverless cars could vastly improve the flow of traffic in our towns and cities, offering huge benefits to motorists, including reduced delays and more-reliable journey times.
“Driverless cars are just one example of cutting-edge technology that could transform the way in which we travel in the future, particularly by providing new opportunities for those with reduced mobility.”
Last summer, a £30 million competition was launched with cash from the Intelligent Mobility Fund to take advantage of the latest technological developments. That followed £20 million awarded to a number of projects last February.