A new survey led by the Department for Transport suggests self-driving vehicles could be used to bridge the gaps in the UK’s public transport network.

The study found up to 72% of people surveyed believed the vehicles could be used to improve transport links – particularly in rural areas.

Sky News has seen the results and reports that better evening, night and weekend services, creating smaller and more direct services, and providing shuttle services between villages and railway stations, were among the suggestions put forward.

People taking part in the survey also said they believed self-driving vehicles could be used to cut congestion and boost the economy.

But Sky News says the study also highlighted concerns among members of the public, with safety the most prominent issue, alongside the possibility of job losses, and the set-up costs for already cash-strapped councils.

The trial involved using Aurrigo driverless pods to ferry people around Alnwick in Northumberland (pictured), Manchester City’s Etihad sports complex, and Taunton in Somerset.

(File picture – Aurrigo)