First self-driving cars on British roads will be unmarked: Volvo
On its initial launch in the UK, self-driving cars will be left unmarked so that motorists are not tempted to “take them on” or “get the better” of them, according to the senior technical leader at Volvo, Erik Coelingh. The first 100 self-driving Volvo 4x4s, to be leased as part of a pilot scheme in partnership with TfL and Highways England on main roads into London in 2018, will look identical to the conventional models. The House of Lords' science and technology committee will soon begin looking at issues such as who is legally accountable for a car that “thinks” for itself.

Officials fear motorists might slam on their brakes or drive erratically in order to “get the better” of the driverless vehicles

Self-driving cars will be unmarked so other drivers don't try to 'take them on'

Self-driving cars will be left unmarked so other road users will not be tempted to “take them on”, a senior carindustry executive has revealed.

One of the fears about autonomous vehicles is that some motorists might slam on their brakes or drive erratically in order to “get the better” of the driverless cars .

The first 100 self-driving Volvo 4x4s, to be leased as part of a pilot scheme on main roads into London in 2018, will look the same as the conventional model.

Erik Coelingh, the senior technical leader at Volvo Cars, told The Observer: “To be on the safe side they will all be unmarked. I’m pretty sure people will challenge them, if they’re marked, by braking harshly in front of a self-driving car or getting in its way.”

Image: PA) PA)

The House of Lords science and technology committee will begin taking evidence on driverless cars on Tuesday, looking at issues such as who will be legally accountable for a vehicle that “thinks” for itself.

Volvo is in talks with Transport for London and Highways England to conduct the first UK pilot scheme involving selected Volvo customers.

In the British pilot commuters will switch to self-drive mode on certain roads, such as the M4 west of London, where traffic is fast but predictable.