Driverless cars given a rough ride

BRITISH motorists do not trust and see no benefits to automated or driver-less cars, according to a new study.

One third failed to see any benefit or take any pluses from future advances and were more concerned about road safety.

Most were scared about the prospect of autonomous vehicles due to the loss of personal control.

Continental Tyres surveyed 2,000 motorists as part of Vision Zero - its commitment to reduce traffic fatalities worldwide.

More than a third feared driver-less cars would make motorists lazy and too reliant on technology. The same percentage highlighted the risks to motorists and pedestrians alike from dangers associated with technology like the vehicle being hacked.

Mark Griffiths, safety expert at Continental Tyres, said: “Drivers have to contend with immediate real world issues.

“Congestion, the cost of motoring and environmental impact, and in some instances technologies being developed now are not being identified as a solution for those issues - yet they absolutely are.

“Future advances will transform motoring, and technology businesses like ours need to explain how present challenges will be reduced or eliminated - like congestion, costs and environmental impact.

“The message from motorists is clear - talk less about ‘tomorrow’s world’ and more about real world benefits.”

Half of those polled believed improved road safety should be the top priority for all automotive and technology companies.

The same percentage called for advances in new, efficient fuels and more economical vehicles.