Self-driving trucks could be on major UK roads by the end of 2018, the government has revealed. An £8.1 million scheme will test the trucks to see if future plans for self-driving trucks are feasible in the next decade.
Up to 3 self-driving HGVs will run all-together during tests, with a licensed driver in the vehicle prepared to take control if any errors or emergencies occur.
The Government believe truck platooning will be beneficial to firms and drivers: with lorries in-formation the head vehicle will “push” air which will avoid the lorries following, lowering consumption of fuel and emissions. This would also lower congestion on roads.
If the tests are successful it could mean a major change for the haulage industry. Only time will tell what this could mean for haulage as well as the drivers who rely on transporting goods and materials across the UK.