Driverless cars in the UK

[IanCress]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-28551069

So the government is going to allow driverless cars to be used on UK roads. The technology has already been tested in California, and is now making its way over here.

Part of me wonders what the UK publics reaction will be. I can imagine 'cash for crash' scam artists trying to trip them up, or chavs running in to the road and throwing themselves in front of the cars so they can sue Google for millions.

It will be interesting to see how it will cope with the UK's tight streets, pot-holes, speed-bumps and roadworks. I'm guessing they will only be driven on main roads to start with. I'd love to see it drive round my estate and come up against a bin lorry, where the only option is to reverse around the corner with another 5 cars behind it.

[IanCress]

kambites said:

Most of the prototypes I've seen the human occupant cannot take over - there's no controls.

That's certainly true of the Google concept. The only control is a big red STOP button. I can certainly see a market for it, as plenty of people don't like driving. As long as these things don't become compulsory i'll be happy.

[IanCress]

Hatchoo said:

I like the idea of the driverless trackday special that laps far more quickly than you could, leaving you free to lie back and browse Pistonheads or walk to a nearby pub perhaps.

Who on earth would do that!? It would be like going to a gig, and instead of watching it, filming it on your ipad to watch later. Nobody does th.... oh, hang on

[IanCress]

CrutyRammers said:

I suspect that one of the first things to become driverless will be lorries. Big companies will be able to make massive savings, and have the cash to make the investment.

I can picture the lorry drivers strike already, along with the Motorway blockades!