A STRETCH of Cumbria’s M6 motorway looks set to become a test route for driverless lorries.

It is thought the vehicles could be tested in platoons on the M6 near Carlisle as part of the initiative, which Chancellor George Osborne is expected to confirm funding for in his Budget next week.

This proposed scheme would see the vehicles travel in a tightly-packed convoy designed to improve fuel consumption by reducing drag.

Steering, acceleration and braking of the road train would be controlled by a driver in the lead vehicle. The drones behind would have a driver in each cab as a safety precaution to regain control in the event of an emergency.

It is hoped this technology could improve road safety.

Paul Tatters, head of roads and transport policy for the AA, has issued warnings about the idea.

He said: “Convoys of driverless lorries and motorists will certainly be very nervous about the prospect and will need considerable reassurance that it will be safe.

“Motorways are pretty congested in the UK, they are about the most congested in Europe, and there will be problems in how they access and exit the roads.”

He fears a procession of driverless lorries would block slip roads, meaning they would have to use the offside lane.

“There are lots of logistical problems,” he added.

The Department for Transport have not confirmed the location of the test route or timetable and have not speculated on whether the research will receive funding in the Budget, although it said planning for trials was under way.

A spokeswoman said: “New technology has the potential to bring major improvements to journeys and the UK is in a unique position to lead the way for the testing of connected and driverless vehicles.

“We are planning trials of HGV platoons – which enable vehicles to move in a group so they use less fuel – and will be in a position to say more in due course.”