TECHNOLOGY

Logistics firms are also getting involved in driverless trials . A group of manufacturers have joined forces to create driverless platoons of trucks to show off the latest technology and bring it one step closer to reality .

Six brands of automated trucks - DAF Trucks , Daimler Trucks , Iveco , MAN Truck & Bus , Scania and Volvo Group - have been driving in columns on public roads . These trucks can follow very close to one another with no delay in braking when the truck ahead slows down or stops . Eliminating the reaction time of a human makes these trucks safer , means they can travel more quickly and save space by travelling smaller distances apart .

Those involved hope that by showcasing the technology and safety of these platoons , EU member states will consider granting permission for these trucks to be common place on roads across Europe .

24 May 2017