By Jamie White – Head of Communications

A Government review has confirmed the UK is uniquely and ideally positioned to develop driverless car technology.

The green light has been given for testing on public roads, following the announcement of £19 million Government funding for driverless cars trials. Along with Bristol, Milton Keynes and Coventry, Greenwich is building on the pioneering work begun last year by Oxford University in partnership with Nissan.

The Department for Transport review, carried out over the past 6 months, considered the best and safest ways to trial automated vehicles where an individual is ready to take control of the car if necessary.

The UK’s regulatory environment now sets it apart as a premium location for developing new technology, with the potential for reducing accidents and making traffic flow more smoothly.

Transport Minister Claire Perry said: “Driverless cars are the future. I want Britain to be at the forefront of this exciting new development, to embrace a technology that could transform our roads and open up a brand new route for global investment.

“These are still early days, but today is an important step. The trials present a fantastic opportunity for this country to take a lead internationally in the development of this new technology.”

To mark the launch of the review, Business Secretary Vince Cable has joined Claire Perry in Greenwich, where they have witnessed the first official trials of the fully autonomous Meridian shuttle, and unveiled a prototype of a driverless pod that will be tested in public areas in Milton Keynes.

Mr Cable said: “The Government’s industrial strategy is backing the automotive sector as it goes from strength to strength. We are giving business the confidence to invest over the long term and developing cutting-edge technology that will create high skilled jobs.”

The pair have also been shown other autonomous vehicles involved in the trials, including a BAE wildcat vehicle that is the result of years of advanced research and development by BAE systems and will be tested in Bristol.