The LUTZ Pathfinder Pod prototype is scheduled to be the UK’s first driverless vehicle.

“Through the LUTZ pathfinder program, the transport systems catapult has pioneered the introduction of driverless pods in Milton Keynes and the first ever tests in the UK will take place later this year in a controlled public environment,” Steve Yianni, transport systems catapult CEO, said. “The UK is at the forefront of this emerging new technology and poised to become the leading supplier of autonomous vehicles and systems around the world.”

The plans for the vehicle were unveiled in Greenwich, London, at a British government event. The prototype will be built by RDM group and use technology developed at Oxford.

The vehicle will not be available to the public but is being launched as a test project for the British government’s regulatory bodies to examine how self-driving cars will perform on UK roads and what kind of oversight should be put into place.

“Safety is a key benefit of driverless technology, which is particularly relevant given the global trends of an increasing and ageing population.” Yianni said.