Driverless buses could soon be introduced in the UK, with one major operator already expressing an interest in the technology.

Transport minister Claire Perry said such buses could transform rural transport by reducing costs associated with the driver. This could result in "better and more frequent services", Ms Perry told the Driverless Vehicles Conference in Thatcham.

She added that driverless buses could be trialled once any "regulatory issues" have been resolved.

Ms Perry stated that the greatest potential for the technology lies with driverless cars and commercial vehicles.

"Human error is reported to account for over 90 per cent of traffic incidents, and so it is clear that driverless cars will make a huge difference," the minister pointed out.

The Department for Transport and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills have set up a trial programme for the vehicles in up to three UK towns and cities.