The UK will host trials of driverless lorries later this year, the chancellor, George Osborne is expected to confirm in his Budget speech later this month.
According to the Department for Transport, the UK will “lead the way” in testing “HGV platoons”, allowing lorries to travel in a group, which should cut fuel consumption by reducing wind resistance for the following vehicles.
The trials are likely to take place on the M6, with vehicles in convoy headed by a driver in the front lorry, with up to 10 lorries in a pack.
“New technology has the potential to bring major improvements to journeys,” a Department for Transport spokesman said.
“We are planning trials of HGV platoons – which enable vehicles to move in a group so they use less fuel,” he added.