Google reveals driverless car prototype





Google's Driver Less Car

Google has demonstrated its own driverless car, a design that does away with all conventional car controls including the steering wheel, and says it will build 100 of the vehicles for testing with the eventual aim of "bringing this technology to the world safely".

The company has been testing everyday cars equipped with sensors, navigation equipment and computers to drive themselves but in the meantime it has secretly developed a prototype from scratch that will have no facility for a human to take control, other than an emergency stop button.

An initial 100 testbed versions would retain manual controls, Google said as it unveiled the car on Tuesday. The controls are needed to comply with the law in California which along with Nevada and Florida allows autonomous vehicles but only if a driver can take charge.

Chris Urmson, director of Google's self-driving car project, said the aim was to run extended tests in California where Google is based. Urmson argued driverless cars would improve road safety.

Google said its testing had suggested it was safer to remove conventional controls altogether because the results of a human having to take over suddenly and unexpectedly were unpredictable and potentially dangerous. “We saw stuff that made us a little nervous,” Urmson told New York Times.

The toy-like concept vehicle has two seats, a screen displaying the route and a top speed of 25mph (40km/h). An array of sensors allows the vehicle's computer to determine its location and surroundings and it can "see" several hundred metres, according to Google





Motorists may face penalty for overtaking cyclists on some city roads

Motorists may face penalty for overtaking cyclists on some city roads

Road safety proposal by Department for Transport would give cyclists priority, restricting cars to 15mph with potential £100 fine

Cyclists may win priority over cars on scores of urban roads, with motorists restricted to 15mph (24km an hour) and handed three penalty points and a fixed penalty £100 fine if they overtake bikes, according to a government proposal. .

However, cars will still dominate most streets: the policy would only cover some cities and "lightly trafficked roads where cycle flows are high".

The proposal for "cycle streets", backed by roads minister Robert Goodwill, is one of many changes and improvements suggested in a department of transport consultation document  making streets safer, through measures including reformed traffic regulations and signage.

The document says the bike priority streets will be tested in cities that have made a commitment to promoting cyclists – and to taking any available government cash for the purpose – including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle upon Tyne and Oxford.

"This is a bold initiative, which is being considered by some of the Cycle Cities and London, possibly including a ban on overtaking on lightly trafficked roads where cycle flows are high. Subject to any scheme trial, this prohibition could be accompanied by an advisory speed limit of 15mph," it says. The consultation ends in June.

The British Cycling association has welcomed the proposed changes, but warned political determination and funding were essential to make them work.

"We still need the leadership to ensure these designs make it on to our roads, a national commitment to grow cycling levels, and it must be backed by a long-term budget line. Only then can we say that the prime minister's ambition of creating a 'cycling revolution' can be achieved,"

Banned drivers who cause death face tougher Sentences

Banned drivers who cause death face tougher Sentences

Tougher sentences for banned drivers who cause death on the roads and a new offence of causing serious injury while disqualified are to be introduced.

A disqualified driver who causes death will face a prison sentence of up to 10 years, instead of two years.

The government said it was bringing in the changes after listening to concerns raised by victims' families.

The changes are expected to come into force in early 2015.

This will include those offences caused by uninsured and unlicensed drivers.

Justice Secretary Mr Grayling said: "I want to make our roads safer and ensure people who cause harm face tough penalties.

"Disqualified drivers should not be on our roads for good reason. Those who choose to defy a ban imposed by a court and go on to destroy innocent lives must face serious consequences for the terrible impact of their actions.

Labour has raised concerns that there are already issues with space in prisons.

Shadow justice secretary Sadiq Khan said: "The government also needs to assure the public that they have enough space in prison to cope with the increased demand.

"The current shortage of space and increased overcrowding on their watch has led to serious problems in our prisons."

The government said it planned to change the law shortly, which will apply in England, Scotland and Wales.

There is a separate framework of road traffic offences in Northern Ireland.

About 8,200 people were convicted for driving while disqualified in 2012, according to Ministry of Justice figures. There were 16 prosecutions and 13 convictions for causing death by driving when disqualified, unlicensed or uninsured.