The Parliament of Victoria, Australia, has passed a new legislation that allows trialling of driverless vehicles across the state.

The legislation is an amendment to the Road Safety Act and will allow VicRoads to grant permits to individuals or organisations who intend to conduct on-road trials of automated vehicles.

It is also expected to facilitate the creation of additional jobs and opportunities in the sector of automated technology.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan said: “Victoria is at the forefront of autonomous vehicle technology and these changes will allow our best and brightest to continue to drive transport innovation.

“Automated vehicles are the future of road safety – that’s why we’re investing in trials and giving researchers better access to Victorian roads.”

“Automated vehicles are the future of road safety – that’s why we’re investing in trials and giving researchers better access to Victorian roads.”

The minister has also announced a A$9m ($7.06m) grant programme for researchers and the overall industry as a part of the Towards Zero Road Strategy and Action Plan. It will be used to support the development of automated vehicles.

The new laws require all driverless vehicle trials to be conducted under human supervision where a person will monitor the tests either from inside or outside the vehicle.

If the vehicle attains all necessary safety requirements, it will be allowed to drive in automated mode in limited circumstances without a supervisor.

VicRoads acting deputy chief executive Robyn Seymour said: “We’re excited to support trials of automated vehicles, which will revolutionise the way we travel and move around our communities.

“This technology will save lives, and make our roads safer for all Victorians.”

The introduction of automated vehicles is expected to reduce and gradually eliminate human driving errors.