Extra £30m announced for driverless technology in the UK

An additional £30 million of government funding has been announced to help support research and development into connected and autonomous vehicle technologies in the UK.

The funding will be made available through the Intelligent Mobility Fund and builds on the £20 million awarded to eight projects back in February 2016.

In addition to the funding, a major consultation is being launched, which will seek input from British drivers to help pave the way for automated cars to be used on British roads.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “Driverless car technology will revolutionise the way we travel and deliver better journeys.

“Britain is leading the way but I want everyone to have the chance to have a say on how we embrace and use these technologies.

“Our roads are already some of the safest in the world and increasing advanced driver assist and driverless technologies have the potential to help cut the number of accidents further.”

Business Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Britain’s auto industry has always been at the forefront of innovation and research. This additional £30 million of funding for research and development (R&D) is a further sign of our commitment to making sure we’re creating opportunities for UK businesses to thrive and attract global investment in world-class technology.”