Self-driving lorries take to Belgian motorways

From the end of March, self-driving lorries will be seen on Belgium's motorways in a pilot project to test the feasibility of the system in Belgium, reports Het Nieuwsblad. The experiment involves caravans of two to three lorries travelling in convoy a short distance apart and directed by GPS, radar and wi-fi, with the first lorry setting the speed and movements of the rest.

The system, known as automated truck platooning, is completely safe, according to its developers. The automation makes for a much higher reaction rate, and removes the risk of an accident due to driver error, such as sleepiness or lack of concentration.

Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden already use automated truck platooning. The pilot project in Belgium will take place between 31 March and 6 April.