Driverless cars can navigate roads by using a series of scanners and laser guidance systems linked to a mapping system of the the road ahead which helps them ‘read’ the road.

Transport Minister Claire Perry said:

“Driverless cars are the future. I want Britain to be at the forefront of this exciting new development, to embrace a technology that could transform our roads and open up a brand new route for global investment.

“These are still early days but today is an important step. The trials present a fantastic opportunity for this country to take a lead internationally in the development of this new technology.”

Trials of driverless cars in the UK will be taking place in Milton Keynes, Coventry and Greenwich in the coming months.