The UK has given the green light to driverless cars
Posted by: Timothy Weaver on 07/30/2014 11:49 AM
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There is a £10 million competition to host the country's driverless cars trial. Applications must be submitted by noon on Oct. 1.
U.K. Business Secretary Vince Cable said in a statement: "The excellence of our scientists and engineers has established the U.K. as a pioneer in the development of driverless vehicles through pilot projects. Today's announcement will see driverless cars take to our streets in less than [six] months, putting us at the forefront of this transformational technology and opening up new opportunities for our economy and society."
Two areas will be tested. One with cars with a qualified driver who can take over control of the driverless car and the other with fully automated controls and no driver.
Transport Minister Claire Perry said: "Driverless cars have huge potential to transform the U.K.'s transport network—they could improve safety, reduce congestion, and lower emissions, particularly CO2. We are determined to ensure driverless cars can fulfil this potential. Which is why we are actively reviewing regulatory obstacles to create the framework for trialling these vehicles on British roads."
The project is being funded by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, and the Department for Transport, in partnership with the Technology Strategy Board.
The UK is not the only player in the game. Audi this week closed down a Tampa highway to test its autonomous Audi A7.
U.K. Business Secretary Vince Cable said in a statement: "The excellence of our scientists and engineers has established the U.K. as a pioneer in the development of driverless vehicles through pilot projects. Today's announcement will see driverless cars take to our streets in less than [six] months, putting us at the forefront of this transformational technology and opening up new opportunities for our economy and society."
Two areas will be tested. One with cars with a qualified driver who can take over control of the driverless car and the other with fully automated controls and no driver.
Transport Minister Claire Perry said: "Driverless cars have huge potential to transform the U.K.'s transport network—they could improve safety, reduce congestion, and lower emissions, particularly CO2. We are determined to ensure driverless cars can fulfil this potential. Which is why we are actively reviewing regulatory obstacles to create the framework for trialling these vehicles on British roads."
The project is being funded by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, and the Department for Transport, in partnership with the Technology Strategy Board.
The UK is not the only player in the game. Audi this week closed down a Tampa highway to test its autonomous Audi A7.
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