Driverless cars on UK roads in '26

Minister backs hands-free technology which allows us to do emails at wheel

- SOPHIE HUSKISSON

SELF-DRIVING cars could be on the roads in two years' time, the UK Transport Secretary claimed yesterday.

Motorists will soon be able to travel with hands off the wheel, doing their emails, Mark Harper said.

The Tory minister reckoned the Government's Automated Vehicles Bill, expected to pass next year, would fast-track driverless cars, boosting safety and giving independence to disabled travellers.

He said: "Probably by as early as 2026, people will start seeing some elements of these cars that have full self-driving capabilities being rolled out."