Driverless future on Sydney's horizon
Automated cars are taking to Sydney's roads with the NSW government giving the nod to extensive testing of the new technology.
The state government announced on Tuesday it was working with motorway operator Transurban as well as car manufacturers to develop the automated technology.
A NSW trial, which began on Tuesday, will run until October on the Sydney orbital network including the Lane Cove Tunnel, The Hills M2 Motorway, Westlink M7, the M5 and the Eastern Distributor.
Automated cars will also be taking to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the harbour tunnel.
The move means driverless cars are a step closer to reality in Australia.
Automated or "clever" cars have adaptive cruise control and automatic braking. They can read traffic signs and remain within their lanes.
Roads Minister Melinda Pavey says automated vehicles will lead to a reduction in the road toll.
"We know that a majority of crashes occur due to human error - technology is giving us the opportunity to see real safety benefits on our roads," she said in a statement.
Asked about a fatal crash involving a driverless Uber vehicle in the United States this week, Ms Pavey said it was important to keep the death in perspective.
"We shouldn't be scared of the future, at the same time that accident in Phoenix is devastating, 100 other people die every day on the roads in the United States," Ms Pavey told 2GB.