Britons could book self-driving taxis this year under new Labour plans

Self-driving cars have taken one step closer to the UK's roads after the Government opened applications for companies to launch driverless taxi and bus services across the country.

Passengers could begin booking journeys in autonomous vehicles later this year under a new pilot scheme backed by ministers, with officials claiming the technology could create thousands of jobs and pump billions into the UK economy.

The Department for Transport said firms will now be able to apply to run self-driving taxi, bus and private hire-style services in what is being described as a major first for Britain.

Ministers explained that the technology could transform travel, especially for older and disabled people, while also helping to cut road accidents caused by human error.

Government figures showed how human mistakes contribute to around 88 per cent of collisions on UK roads.

Roads and Buses Minister Simon Lightwood said: "Self-driving vehicles represent a transformative opportunity for Britain, opening up independent travel for disabled people and older adults, while driving growth and creating high-skilled jobs across the UK.

"This pilot scheme brings that future closer, giving passengers the opportunity to experience self-driving travel first-hand while ensuring safety always comes first."

The trials will allow companies to test autonomous vehicles on public roads and in busy urban areas while carrying passengers.

However, ministers insisted strict safety checks would remain in place before any services could begin operating.

Operators will need approval from the Government, including passing safety and cybersecurity assessments, while local authorities such as Transport for London will also need to sign off services in their areas. British autonomous driving company Wayve is expected to be among the firms taking part.

Sarah Gates, Vice President of Global Affairs at Wayve, said: "The UK has all the ingredients to become a global leader in the deployment of self-driving vehicles.

"Self-driving vehicles represent a generational opportunity to make road transport safer, more accessible and more convenient for millions of people."

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Ride-hailing giant Uber also welcomed the plans and hinted that autonomous journeys could soon be available in London.

Sarfraz Maredia, Uber's Global Head of Autonomous Mobility and Delivery, said: "This is an exciting and important step toward launching autonomous vehicles in the UK.

"London has long been a pioneering city for Uber, and we can't wait to give people in the capital the chance to experience autonomous rides this year."

Meanwhile, US technology firm Waymo said the UK was on its way to becoming a global leader in self-driving transport.

Ben Loewenstein, Waymo's Head of Policy and Government Affairs for the UK and Europe, said: "The UK is leading the way in enabling the safe deployment of pilot autonomous vehicle services."

Waymo currently operates driverless ride services in 11 major US cities and says it now provides more than 500,000 rides every week. The automotive industry has also backed the Government's move.

Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said the scheme marked "a significant milestone in the safe and responsible rollout of automated vehicles on British roads".

Industry estimates suggest autonomous passenger services could eventually be worth £3.7billion a year to the UK economy by 2040.