The first self-driving cars without any human in control could be on UK roads by the end of the year. That's thanks to the Government's updated rules for testing such vehicles in this country, which until now have required all tests to include a human driver or remote overseer so that they can take control in the event of an emergency.

Under the new rules, however, a human 'operator' doesn't have to be present at all, and the government is updating its guidance on how such tests should take place. The announcement is being labelled as "a strong signal of support for the UK automotive and technology industries" by the Department for Transport.