Trials of new "self-driving" lorries on UK roads have been welcomed by industry experts in Cumbria, who say the sector needs to embrace the latest technology.

The Government has announced that wirelessly connected HGVs will travel along major roads by the end of the next year.

Acceleration and braking will be controlled by a person in a lead vehicle.

The idea has been mooted since 2014 and last year it was reported that a stretch of the M6 in Cumbria could be used as a testing ground.

Those behind the plans say that lorries driving close together could see the front vehicle pushing air out of the way, making the other vehicles more efficient and lowering their emissions.

Similar trials have already been carried out elsewhere in Europe and in the US but motoring experts have questioned the suitability of self-driving lorries in the UK.

The Government has provided £8.1m funding towards the trials.

Bosses from two of the county's HGV driver training providers have weighed in on the issue.

Tony Higgins, managing director at Carlisle-based SP Training, said: "It's inevitable whether you think it's a good or bad idea.

"We're seeing a lot of technology being used for cars and that's moving at a pace now.

"Anything that helps efficiency and productivity can't be a bad thing but there's a lot more testing that needs to be done.

"We are quite a way yet from wholesale introductions."

Mr Higgins said he did have concerns about how suitable they may be for some of the UK's roads and safety aspects.

"Safety is an aspect to think about," he added.

"But for centuries all new technology has had that discussion."

Colin Gordon, a director of the System Group, said: "If you're looking at it from a sector point of view we are keen to see progress in terms of technological development.

"From a fuel efficiency, reducing congestion point of view we are keen to have those trials to see if they work well."

He added: "But the safety issue is the biggest concern."

Mr Gordon said the convoys of lorries could lead to problems for people getting on and off the motorway, for example.

He also said that, in his opinion, there still would be jobs for HGV drivers and that the logistics industry would continue to grow but couldn't say exactly how it would affect this particular industry.

Jason Wakeford, from road safety charity Brake, said: "Rather than platooning lorries on already congested UK roads, the Government should instead cut emissions and improve public safety by moving more freight from road to rail.

"Each freight train takes about 60 HGVs off the road network.

"This rigorous trial is needed to prove whether this technology really can provide the safety and environmental benefits which are claimed."

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) believes the idea could enhance road safety.