Driverless cars ‘to transform UK life within four years’
DRIVERLESS cars are to hit Britain’s roads by 2021, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling will announce today.
Ministers say they will transform life for elderly and disabled people and it is hoped the UK will become a world leader in automated vehicles.
Mr Grayling wants Britain to have a share of the new multi-billion pound market. He will tell the Association of British Insurers: “We’ve seen nothing that can compare with the motoring revolution just around the corner.
“A revolution that will transform the way we travel, the way we buy, run and power our cars, and the way we insure them. There are major opportunities in this fast emerging market.
“The market for autonomous vehicles could be worth £28billion to the UK by 2035. We are committed to becoming a global leader in the design, development and use of such cars.”
Driverless cars are seen as the future, with manufacturers Ford and Volvo competing with Silicon Valley giants such as Google, Uber and Apple to become market leaders.
The Department for Transport says 96 per cent of older people say a selfdriving car would help them get out more. And a third of people with a disability say it would give independence.
The number of older people losing their licences on medical grounds has doubled in the past five years. Mr Grayling will tell the ABI in London: “Many who can’t currently drive will be able to take to the road. Elderly people or people with disabilities which prevent them from travelling will discover a new freedom and independence.”