The Government of New South Wales (NSW) in Australia has announced its support of developing driverless vehicle trials in the state by allocating A$10m ($7.43m) in its budget.

With this allocation, the government wants to ensure that NSW stays in line with advancing technology.

According to the government, autonomous and connected vehicle technology is being adopted by many countries across the globe and driverless cars are already operating on the streets of San Francisco in the US, Singapore, and Paris in France, with Sydney to follow.

“Last year, NSW passed a legislation to allow trials of connected and automated vehicles in the state.”

NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said: “The future belongs to those who hear it coming, and this investment looks to harness the power of technology to improve lives across the state. NSW is a progressive state and this money is another example of how the Liberals and Nationals are bringing the future forward.”

Last year, NSW passed a legislation to allow trials of connected and automated vehicles in the state. As part of this, trials are currently underway with a driverless Smart Shuttle at Olympic Park, Sydney.

The government will release A$2.5m ($1.85m) each year for four years and the total fund will be administered by Transport for NSW’s Smart Innovation Centre, which will identify projects and partnerships.

NSW Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said: “A decade ago things like Uber and smartwatches seemed like something out of the Jetsons. Driverless cars might feel a bit like that today but the reality is they are already being built and tested around the world.

“The technology is here and we are going to make sure we are ready to embrace it. Having a dedicated fund for trials will mean that government, universities, the private sector and start-ups can partner together to test and gain insights into how these technologies will shape our future cities and regions.”