Self driving pods to be trialled on Milton Keynes footpaths

Self driving pods are set to be trialled on footpaths across Central Milton Keynes to evaluate safety.

Milton Keynes Council has issued traffic orders to warn pedestrians of the trials. Advisory signs will be placed along the routes, and the vehicles will be fitted with lights and warning signs. As an additional safety measure, the pods will only operate with a driver present in the vehicle, who can stop or steer the vehicle is needed, with watchers present along the routes.

The pods will be trialled on parts of Avebury Boulevard, Grafton Gate, Midsummer Boulevard, Silbury Boulevard, Witan Gate, Elder Gate, Midsummer Boulevard Subway, Grafton Gate Subway and Silbury Boulevard Subway.

A spokesman from the council said: “The first of the Milton Keynes pods are nearing readiness to demonstrate in Central Milton Keynes, this represents a significant and welcomed milestone as Milton Keynes continues to lead in the development of advance transport systems.

“The purpose of the demonstration is to evaluate the technology within the vehicles, and also to demonstrate how the pods negotiate areas in Central Milton Keynes safely.

“The traffic orders in place are known as experimental orders and allow for amendments to be considered as part of the process. They will be in place as experimental orders for no longer than 18 months.”

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