The city’s council plays a key role in the innovative UK Autodrive group that has been awarded funding as a result of the competition called ‘introducing driverless cars’, which was set up by the Government.
Milton Keynes’ council leader, Peter Marland, stated that the funding demonstrated the city was a global leader in transport research and innovation, and that the driverless cars project could lead to real changes in transport in the UK, as well as bringing huge benefits to those living in the area. He commented:
“This funding is not to just trial a new and exciting technology; its aim is to roll out a completely working service across Milton Keynes in three years which will provide residents with a more convenient, cheaper and environmentally aware mode of public transport which residents can use to make bespoke journeys.”
There are already businesses offering environmentally friendly services, such as digital printing in Milton Keynes, but there is always room for further innovations that help the environment.
The financing will go towards a project costing £20 million overall and involving Jaguar Land Rover, Ford and Arup engineering consultancy, which is set to deliver approximately 40 self-driving vehicles and make Britain a centre of autonomous car technology.