'This project will show future of freight logistics'

NORTH East organisations have secured a slice of a £150m Government funding deal to help create a UK first in self-driving solutions at ports.

- COREENA FORD

The North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA) and the Port of Tyne have joined a number of businesses, including autonomous vehicle technology provider Oxa and cybersecurity firm Angoka on a specific programme exploring Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM) solutions, which includes self-driving vehicles connected to a network.

Set to run for nine months, the programme is called P-CAL - Port-Connected and Automated Logistics, and it will see the NEAA work with the Port of Tyne and a host of specialists on creating a self-driving tractor at the Port.

It is expected to reduce costs, create skilled jobs and lay the groundwork for wider adoption of autonomous logistics across UK ports and distribution centres.