‘Self-driving’ cars could get green light for use on UK motorways this year

Automated lane-keeping systems likely to be allowed only when traffic is moving slowly

Motorists could legally allow their cars to self-drive" on British motorways later this year - but only slowly, the government has announced.

Drivers could soon be allowed to read a newspaper or watch a film via the car's built-in screen in periods of slow-moving traffic, using automated lane-keeping system (Alks) technology that makes the car stay in lane and a safe distance from other vehicles.