The UK government is funding £8.1 million ($10.39 million) to test self-driving truck convoys on British motorways.

The platooning trials will see up to three heavy goods vehicles, traveling in convoy, with acceleration and braking controlled by the lead vehicle. All lorries in the platoon will have a driver ready to take control at any time.

If successful, this technology could have major benefits for motorists and businesses in the UK, the government says. A row of trucks driving closer together could see the front truck pushing the air out of the way, making the vehicles in the convoy more efficient, lowering emissions and improving air quality.

The Transport Research Laboratory will carry out the trial, with funding provided by the Department for Transport and Highways England. It follows a government-funded feasibility study that recommended a trial to examine the benefits and viability of platooning.

The trial will be carried out in three phases, with the first focusing on the potential for platooning on the UK’s major roads. Initial test track based research will help decide details such as distance between vehicles and on which roads the tests could take place.

Trials are expected on major roads by the end of 2018. Similar trials have already been successfully carried out in Europe and the United States.