An elevated network of cars is to be built to transport people around the city of Tel Aviv in Israel.

The BBC reports that the so-called 'SkyTran' system of magnetic levitation vehicles is to be trialled on the campus of Israel Aerospace Industries. If it is successful, the SkyTran firm hopes to make the technology available on a commercial basis.

Vehicles will be able to reach speeds of up to 70 km/h (43 mph), although much faster vehicles could be developed for the technology's commercial rollout.

Designed to offer an alternative to travelling on congested roads, the cars will be able to be ordered using a smartphone. They will be boarded at specific locations and then transport the passengers to their destinations.

Several SkyTran projects are planned for around the world, including in locations in India and the US.

Independent smart city expert Joe Dignan said the system represents "a hybrid between existing infrastructure and autonomous vehicles".