• Just 4% are sure that driverless car technology is currently safe, according to new research
• 49% agree with a government decision to delay trials of the technology on UK roads until 2027
• However, 27% are worried the UK could fall behind other countries, shows July’s Startline Used Car Tracker

July’s Startline Used Car Tracker also reveals that 34% wouldn’t feel safe riding in a driverless car and 26% think they will never be as safe as a human driver.

Almost half (49%) agree with a recent government decision to delay trials until 2027 and 29% say even that sounds too soon.

However, 27% are worried that the UK is falling behind other countries when it comes to driverless technology and 18% think the delay is holding back the benefits these cars could bring to the public.

Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said: “Our findings show there’s widespread scepticism about driverless cars with little confidence they are now safe to use and some disbelief they will ever rival a human driver. Even enthusiasm for trials on UK roads is limited and there is strong support for the government’s decision to delay them.

“However, there is a significant minority who are concerned that this kind of tentative attitude means we could become an also-ran in the race to adopt driverless technology.

“In a sense, this mirrors the coverage being seen in the media, with some manufacturers and taxi companies very keen to promote the technology at the same time as widespread reporting about accidents, and even injuries and deaths. No doubt this is a debate that will continue for some time to come.”

The Startline Used Car Tracker is compiled monthly for Startline Motor Finance by APD Global Research, well-known in the motor industry for their business intelligence reporting and customer experience programs. This time, 300 consumers and 60 dealers were questioned.