Driverless cars will take to Britain's streets in less than six months, the Business Secretary Vince Cable has announced.

From January 2015 up to three UK cities will host trials of driverless vehicles, each lasting between 18 and 36 months.

Government has launched a £10M competition inviting cities to team up with businesses and research organisations and apply to take part in the trials. Those keen to do so have two months to make an application.

A review has also been set in motion looking at current road regulations to ensure there is an appropriate regime in the UK for testing driverless cars.

Two areas of driverless technology will be covered in the review: cars with a qualified driver who can take over controls of a driverless car and fully autonomous vehicles where there is no driver.

“Today's announcement will put us at the forefront of this transformational technology and open up new opportunities for our economy and society,” Vince Cable said.

Transport Minister Claire Perry added: "Driverless cars have huge potential to transform the UK's transport network; they could improve safety, reduce congestion and lower emissions.

“We are determined to ensure driverless cars fulfil this potential which is why we are reviewing regulatory obstacles to create the right framework for trialling these vehicles on British roads.”

The driverless cars competition is funded by the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills and the Department for Transport in partnership with the Technology Strategy Board.

(Photo: Google)

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