Town tries out Cybercar concept

The cars are called by pressing a button along the route

A driverless car which is controlled by computer and uses lasers to avoid obstacles is being demonstrated in a Northamptonshire town.

Daventry is investigating ways to increase the use of public transport and reduce reliance on cars.

The town council believes the Cybercars, which are called by pressing a button on the route and go direct to their destination, could be the answer.

The vehicles can be seen on a test track at the town's Eastern Way.

Light track

The demonstration, until 5 October, follows Daventry's involvement in the European Commission research group CityMobil, and similar events are taking place throughout Europe.

Cybercars are designed for short trips at low speed in an urban environment and need only a very light track to operate.

They aim to take people to a specific zone where private car access is limited and would be most efficient over short distances and in tourist areas.

Daventry District Council leader Chris Millar said: "We can build lots more car parks and have lots more cars going in or we can look at a viable alternative to the car.

"We believe this could be the answer."