More than half (55%) of UK motorists would not consider buying an automonous vehicle, with safety topping their list of concerns.

The Britain Under the Bonnet report from Close Brothers Motor Finance found that more more than a quarter (26%) of respondents would need to see more evidence in relation to safety before ever considering one.

One in five (19%) do not trust the technology, with 20% saying they would consider buying a car with partial or total self-driving features. Nineteen per cent said they simply do not like the idea of autonomous vehicles.

Sean Kemple, director of sales at Close Brothers Motor Finance, said: “The momentum of discussion around autonomous cars continues to grow, but unanimously positive consumer sentiment toward these vehicles has yet to come into fruition. 

“The general consensus on the future of cars currently resides with converting fossil fuel vehicles into electric; consequently, there could be some time until we see a mass adoption of autonomous motors."

The report found younger drivers are more receptive to driverless vehicles, with almost one-third (32%) of 22 to 30-year-olds showing interest in purchasing one, compared to just one in ten (11%) of the 45-plus age group.

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