THE streets of Oxford are famous for their history and tradition.

But now the city has been picked as a test pad for the latest technological innovation in the car industry.

Experts from Oxford University are planning to test driverless cars around the city and also in Woodstock later this year.

The research, led by Professor Paul Newman of Oxford University’s Department of Engineering Science, looks to provide a completely ‘hands-free’ experience for drivers.

The technology has been installed on a Wildcat vehicle, built by BAE Systems, and uses data from a variety of sensors such as cameras, radars and lasers mounted on the car itself.

Professor Newman said: “Our long-term aim is to enable a new generation of robotic vehicles that can make the roads safer, less congested, cleaner and personal transport more accessible.”

Researchers are still developing the Wildcat at their base at Begbroke Science Park.

Now the team in Oxford is preparing to approach the Government for a permit in the next two months.

A spokesperson for the University of Oxford said: “It is possible that it could be driving around Oxford later this year. It wouldn’t be entirely ‘driverless’ – there would always be a scientist in the driving seat ready to take over in the unlikely event of a problem.”