Major change could see mums & dads not having to do the school run any more

KIDS could in the future hitch a lift to school in a self-driving car.

Major plans revealed today pave the way for the end of the traditional school run.

Top-of-the-range vehicles which can control themselves are set to be on Britain’s roads by next year under landmark Government proposals.

Ministers want to allow cars, coaches and lorries with self-driving features to be sold in Britain within months — and used on motorways from 2025.

They will then consult on introducing them to all roads.

Food and parcels could be delivered straight to customers’ doors in the future.

Shuttle cars could be used to help commuters get to train stations, elderly people to hospital appointments, or even pupils get to school.

Ministers are dishing out £100million to fund research on how to make it as safe as possible and help industry prepare.

Scientists are keen to learn how the new tech will cope in rain and snow and interact with other cars, people and cyclists.

With up to eight in ten crashes caused by driver error, self-driving cars are expected to help slash the number of fatal accidents on Britain’s roads.

Manufacturers would be responsible for the car’s actions.
Up to 38,000 new jobs could be created as part of a £42billion industry, the Department for Transport reckons.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “The benefits of self-driving vehicles have the potential to be huge.”