Driverless cars to hit UK public roads in 2015

The UK government has revealed that it iwill trial driverless cars on public roads next year.

The trials will last between 18 and 36 months and may start as early as January 2015.

"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," said business secretary Vince Cable.

Transport minister, Claire Perry, added: "Driverless cars have huge potential to transform the UK’s transport network. They could improve safety, reduce congestion and lower emissions, particularly CO2."

There will be a £10 million research fund made available for driverless car researchers in the UK.

The Department for Transport will start a review process of the laws governing road use, to permit the testing of driverless cars on public roads, with a report being submitted to government by the end of 2014.

Back in May, Google unveiled its plans to produce a fleet of driverless cars, which it has begun testing around its headquarters in California.