Britain ‘risks losing pole position’ in self-driving race

BRITAIN risks losing its lead on European rivals in the race to develop selfdriving cars, according to the organisation responsible for coordinating testing on UK roads.

Daniel Ruiz, chief executive of government-backed Meridian, said that although British efforts lagged behind Silicon Valley and US carmakers, there was a chance to “grasp the European market and establish ourselves”.

He said: “We are not first among equals; the Waymos of this world are out in the lead, but they, of course, are focusing on the American market. I suspect they will go to America, Asia and then come to Europe, so we’ve got a bit of time if we want to – we can do that, but we haven’t got much time.”

Mr Ruiz said that the UK had to be “careful not to take our eye off the ball because if we do that then very quickly we will lose the position at the top table that we have at the moment”.

The warning comes as the Government announces £12m in grants for self-driving vehicle simulation and modelling projects.