Driverless cars to become real in city in 10 years time: Minister Khaw Boon Wan

Singapore National Development Minister, Khaw Boon Wan, told reporters of the World Cities Summit Mayors Forum in Bilbao, Spain, that driverless cars will become a reality within the next 10 years in cities. According to The Straits Times, he also added the availability of such cars will dramatically transform the landscape of urban planning.

"In time to come, there will be driverless electric cars, in which by then private transport will become less important and therefore, less reliant on road service and land to be set aside for roads and carparks," said Mr Khaw, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the World Cities Summit Mayors Forum on Friday.

"These are (among) the technological changes and ideas which the mayors discussed with great excitement and expectations. It won't happen next year, it may happen in 10 years' time, it will most certainly happen within 15 to 20 years," he added.

Mr Khaw also mentioned electric cars are just one of many forms of technology that can be tapped into - to address issues pertaining to urban planning. Mr Khaw also added that water recycling and energy conservation are examples undertaken in Singapore where technology is used to address urban challenges.

Mr Khaw revealed a greater alliance is needed between the Government and the private sector to solve the challenge urban planning in the future.

"I interacted with some of the companies from the Basque Country from the last couple of days. I learnt that they have strong capabilities in infrastructure, engineering, and building of roads and bridges. If you look at Asia, the need for massive investment in infrastructure is huge. China, India, Southeast Asia and I see possibilities in companies exploring in that kind of opportunity," said Mr Khaw.