The government has commissioned a new study to examine how driverless cars and commercial vehicles could improve road safety and reduce congestion across the UK.

The National Infrastructure Commission will lead research into connected and autonomous mobility, exploring how emerging technologies could enhance transport accessibility while easing pressure on road networks.

The Government announced the study's terms of reference, following a commitment made in the Autumn Statement last November.

The Commission will advise on changes to infrastructure, governance and policy that may be required to support the rollout of autonomous vehicles. Recommendations will aim to help the government maximise the long-term benefits of the technology.

Aspects such as data usage and digital connectivity will also fall within the scope of the research.

The move builds on recent legislative steps taken by the government to enable initial autonomous vehicle trials.

Commissioner Michele Dix said: “This technology enables us to think differently about how we could manage the country’s congested roads, transforming the experiences of drivers and public transport users and giving business productivity a real boost. The study is a chance to understand the full implications of the technology for future infrastructure design and operation, and to identify the policies government will need to ensure it succeeds.”

The Commission will engage widely with stakeholders and will publish details of how interested organisations can help inform the study in due course.

Full terms of the study can be read here.