The government will be providing £8.1m in funding to support driverless lorry trials in the UK.
According to a statement, the ‘platooning’ trials will see a maximum of three heavy goods vehicles, travelling in convoy, with acceleration and braking controlled by the lead vehicle.
Transport minister Paul Maynard, said: “We are investing in technology that will improve people’s lives.
“Advances such as lorry platooning could benefit businesses through cheaper fuel bills and other road users thanks to lower emissions and less congestion.
“But first we must make sure the technology is safe and works well on our roads, and that’s why we are investing in these trials.”
The funding follows on from a government-funded feasibility study, which recommended a trial to examine the benefits and viability of platooning.
Jim O’Sullivan, Highways England chief executive, added: “We are pleased to be supporting the government’s ambition for the UK to be a global leader for innovation.
“The trial has the potential to demonstrate how greater automation of vehicles – in this instance, HGVs – can deliver improvements in safety, better journeys for road users and reduction in vehicle emissions.
“Investing in this research shows we care about those using our roads, the economy and the environment, and safety will be integral as we take forward this work with TRL.”
The trials, carried out in three phases, are expected to take place on major roads by the end of 2018.