Driverless cars set to be tested on UK roads

Image
Press Trust of India London
Last Updated : Jul 16 2013 | 3:35 PM IST
The first ever trial of self-driving cars on Britain's busy roads will take place later this year.
Researchers from the Oxford University have been working with Japanese multinational automaker Nissan on the technology and have already tested a car on a private road in a science park.
However, permission has now been granted by the Department for Transport in UK for trials on roads with other traffic.
While the cars will be driving themselves, a back up driver will be seated inside as a safety measure.
The self-driving cars will be tested on lightly used rural and suburban roads initially, 'The Telegraph' reported.
Scientists have adapted a robot car, which is capable of running on a predetermined familiar route, although the driver can reassert control by tapping on the brakes.
The trials of the driver-less cars and a pledge to pump another 500 million pounds into electric vehicles are the cornerstone of the UK government's strategy.
Internet search giant Google has already tested driver-less cars on 1,60,934 kilometres of roads in San Francisco, the report said.
These cars have been left to drive themselves using cameras, radar and laser sensors.
Behind the trials is the belief that cars - which already have an array of collision avoidance systems - can be made even safer.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Jul 16 2013 | 3:35 PM IST

Next Story