Sunderland driverless bus project delayed

The arrival of self-driving buses in a city centre has been delayed until 2025.

The Sunderland City Council-backed vehicles were meant to transport people between the city's transport interchange and hospital from May.

But the local authority said project timelines had "slipped a little" and instead the trial would be starting sometime in the new year.

"Our commitment to trialling future mobility solutions for the residents of Sunderland remains a top priority," a spokesperson said.

Two-self driving vehicles, with back-up drivers who could take over at any point, were meant to be ready for passengers earlier this year.

Local authority official Liz St Louis previously told the BBC the council hoped the buses would run on a 15-minute loop on roads between the Park Lane interchange, Sunderland Royal Hospital and the University of Sunderland.

Council spokesperson Tori Lynn said the project's delays had "nothing to do with safety".

Instead, the delays were due to project timelines being moved back as "is often the case with large innovative projects with multiple partner organisations", she said.

"We are excited about the continued progress and innovations to come as the trial moves forward."

Bus manufacturer Aurrigo has been approached for comment.