Driverless cars will be able to roam free on British roads by 2020 under a new plan to be announced by Chancellor George Osborne this week.
On Wednesday, the Chancellor will unveil the 2016 Budget along with proposals to scrap rules that prevent autonomous cars to drive on public motorways.
After trials on local roads later this year and subsequent test drives on motorways and major roads next year, driverless vehicles will then be permitted to go on sale for widespread use.
Government in talks with Google
The current government wants Britain to be a global leader in the autonomous driving market, which is estimated to be worth as much as £900 billion worldwide by 2025.
Google has held talks with the government and sees the UK as a key market for its driverless car products, with five talks held between ministers and the company in the past two years.
Last week, the Chancellor told the Commons: “At a time of great uncertainty in the global economy, Britain must take bold decisions now to ensure it leads the world when it comes to new technologies and infrastructure.
'Fundamental change to transport'
“That’s what my Budget next week will seek to do. Driverless cars could represent the most fundamental change to transport since the invention of the internal combustion engine. Naturally we need to ensure safety, and that’s what the trials we are introducing will test.”
However, Labour deputy leader Tom Watson said that the government should appoint a Minister for Automation and a Cabinet committee to ensure the implementation of a proper strategy.
Also set to be unveiled in the Budget announcement will be plans for a new £15m “connected corridor” between London and Dover to allow vehicles with wireless technology to communicate with each other.
