The Transport Secretary is considering allowing drivers to take their hands off the wheel on motorways, and let the car stick to the lane and keep a distance from the car in front.

The Times reports that Grant Shapps could allow the change by the summer which it says will mean drivers could watch a film, check emails or texts while at the wheel.

However, the report adds that the government is stepping back from a plan to allow this at 70mph and signalled that it will apply in stop-start motorway traffic at speeds of up to 37mph.

However insurance companies are concerned at how the technology will work, with Matthew Avery, director of insurance research at Thatcham Research, telling The Times, “If the government introduces this too quickly it could become the next GM crops.”

(Picture – gov.uk)