The government is seeking operators to run taxi, bus and private hire-style self-driving vehicles for a new pilot scheme, with passengers able to book journeys later this year.

Safety will be central to the pilot scheme, which will gather real-world evidence on how self-driving vehicles operate on everyday roads, from navigating busy urban streets to interacting with traffic and carrying passengers safely.

Services will be subject to rigorous approval checks by government, including strict safety assessments to ensure the technology is protected against cyber and security threats.

Services could enhance journeys by supporting greater freedom and independence for older and disabled people, as well as expanding travel options across both work and leisure.

Self-driving technology could transform roads, with human error currently contributing to 88% of collisions on UK roads.

Roads and Buses Minister, Simon Lightwood, said: "Self-driving vehicles represent a transformative opportunity for Britain, opening up independent travel for disabled people and older adults, while driving growth and creating high-skilled jobs across the UK.

"This pilot scheme brings that future closer, giving passengers the opportunity to experience self-driving travel first-hand while ensuring safety always comes first."

Local transport authorities, such as Transport for London, will also need to provide local consent to ensure services reflect local priorities.

The government is working closely with safety and accessibility experts as it develops the regulations needed to safely bring self-driving vehicles to British roads.

Learnings from the pilots will support the development of self-driving vehicle regulations, which are currently being progressed by government, following a call for evidence that closed in March.