Bristol named test-bed for driverless cars
The VENTURER consortium has secured funding from Innovate UK to test driverless cars in the Bristol region. This appointment follows today’s Autumn statement announcement to make the UK a world centre for the testing and development of this new technology.
Lee Woodcock, VENTURER project lead and technology director for Atkins’ Highways & Transportation business said: “We are thrilled to be appointed by Innovate UK to lead the UK development of an independent test site for, and a market leading capability in, autonomous vehicles.
The VENTURER consortium have joined forces to explore the feasibility of driverless cars in the UK, by trialling autonomous vehicles in the Bristol region, investigating the legal and insurance aspects of driverless cars and exploring how the public react to such vehicles.
“This programme will help keep the UK at the forefront of this transformational technology, helping to deepen our understanding of the impact on road users and wider society and open up new opportunities for our economy and society.”
Mayor of Bristol, George Ferguson said:
“Bristol has a deserved reputation as an innovative city and test-bed for new technologies, as we have just been recognised with the International Award for Urban Innovation by our sister city Guangzhou. As such we are delighted to be part of the VENTURER project that brings together high-quality knowledge and development with an enthusiasm for creating digital solutions.
“The novelty of Bristol’s approach is our focus on public-private-citizen partnerships, championing experimental solutions through the deployment of information and communications technology (ICT) and digital technologies in a people friendly manner.
“Bristol City Council and South Gloucestershire Council have a long-standing commitment to sustainability and we place green issues at the heart of our vision for the city. To help achieve this, significant investment is being made in renewable energy schemes.
“Bristol is also working to cut its CO2 emissions by 40 per cent by 2020. As we embark on our year as European Green Capital 2015, we hope to seize even more opportunities to bring new investment, businesses and visitors to the region.”
Business Secretary, Vince Cable said:
“The UK is a world-leader in the development of driverless technology, and today’s announcement will see driverless cars take to city streets from 1 January. This not only puts us at the forefront of this transformational technology but it also opens up new opportunities for our economy and society.”
“Through the government’s industrial strategy we are backing the automotive sector as it goes from strength to strength. We are providing the right environment to give businesses the confidence to invest and create high skilled jobs.”
