Britain 'to become first to get driverless cars' as Government holds talks with Google

Google has held meetings with the Government over driverless cars

 

BRITAIN'S streets could become the first to get driverless cars as it was revealed Google has held a number of high level meetings with the Department of Transport.

 

The internet company has held several face-to-face meetings about the autonomous cars in the last two years, according to documents obtained by a national newspaper.

The driverless cars are being tested in California, but records show company chiefs believe the UK is the frontrunner when it comes to developing laws for driverless cars

Google's vehicles have travelled 1 million miles on public roads since 2012. 

 

The cars have a 'lidar' sensor that uses laser technology and are able to spot pedestrians and traffic. 

Google hopes to make them public by 2020. 

Supporters of driverless cars think that they will reduce car accidents, lower commuting time and cut congestion. 

 

A driverless car

the UK in a good position and could be seen as an example of best practice

Head of policy for Google's experimental division, Sarah Hunter

Records of the meetings, held both in London and California, show Google to be complimentary of the UK's approach to driverless cars. 

Sarah Hunter, the head of policy for Google's experimental division, Google X, said that the company was: "very positive about the non-regulatory approach being taken in the UK [which] places the UK in a good position and could be seen as an example of best practice”.

Experts have suggested that manufacturers would be held responsible with regards to the insurance of the cars that would operate without a driver.

 

A Google car