A trial of driverless cars is to be carried out on motorways, Highways England has confirmed.

The organisation believes a connected corridor could see cars and infrastructure being linked wirelessly, so drivers would receive alerts of congestion and road closures in advance.

This forms part of a wider £150 million drive to harness innovative new technology, which will also involve trialling radar technology on motorways and in tunnels so breakdowns can be detected more effectively.

Andrew Jones, the roads minister, commented: "Innovation is absolutely critical to our £15 billion investment plan for roads. 

"A more reliable road network is good news for motorists and good news for the economy."

Jim O'Sullivan, chief executive of Highways England, added that it is committed to using innovation to make journeys on the country's roads safer, better informed and more reliable.

He confirmed that the trials of "better connected and autonomous vehicles" on motorways will commence before the end of next year.