DRIVERLESS cars could be on UK roads as early as next January under government plans to legalise the self-drive vehicles.

Cities have also been invited to compete to host one of three trials of the technology, which would start at the same time.

Meanwhile, ministers have ordered a review of road regulations to provide appropriate guidelines to ensure safety measures standards are met.Motoring analysts have already predicted a huge impact on company car and road haulage users where employers adopt the technology to lower employee safety risks and reduce staff costs.

Business secretary Vince Cable revealed the plan at the MIRA vehicle testing facility in the Midlands (left).

He said: “Today’s announcement will see driverless cars take to our streets in less than six months, putting us at the forefront of this transformational technology and opening up new opportunities for our economy and society.”

David Raistrick, UK automotive leader at Deloitte, welcomed the use of leading edge technology to drive forward the automotive sector’s continued growth.

He said: “While the public has not yet embraced the concept of autonomous cars trundling around Britain’s roads, the reality is that, within a decade, technology advancements will allow driverless cars to become the norm. Today’s barriers to adoption largely came from UK legislation preventing driverless cars, coupled with the price entry point for this new technology.