Self-driving pods began a year-long trial on the streets of Milton Keynes at the end of March.

Milton Keynes Council (MKC) is working with Coventry-based Aurrigo (the autonomous-vehicle division of the RDM Group) to test out a new ‘first- and last-mile’ transport solution for local people, shoppers and visitors to the town.

Up to 40 pods — capable of travelling at up to 15mph and lasting up to 60 miles on one charge — will eventually operate at two locations in the town.

Brian Matthews, MKC’s Head of Transport Innovation, said: “We will see three forms of connected and autonomous transport demonstrated — self-driving cars, delivery robots and Pods.

“The demonstrations are designed to evaluate the technology for its suitability — not least around safety — so the trials will be closely managed.

“It is very exciting, as we could be on the cusp of a revolution in transport, with the potential to provide increased mobility for all.”

Aurrigo (www.aurrigo.com) has invested in a control centre and recruited the first three people for what will become a 10-strong team.

This gives the company the presence on the ground that will be needed before the project ‘goes live’ with passengers in July.

Richard Fairchild, director of autonomous mobility programmes at Aurrigo, said: “These trials are the next step in proving that driverless pods are safe, reliable and can work on dedicated routes in and around Milton Keynes.

“Each pod will travel thousands of miles over the course of the trial, and all the information that is gathered will be channelled into providing the safest and most efficient ‘first- and last-mile’ transport solution in the UK.”