Perth Perfect For Autonomous Cars: Former GM Exec Larry Burns

Perth in Western Australia would be ideal for autonomous cars, according to former General Motors executive Larry Burns.

Speaking at an RAC of WA event, Mr Burns outlined the benefits of self-driven cars in inner-city environments, saying Perth’s population density was similar to US cities.

Burns is currently working with internet giant Google on its autonomous car program, and believes car-usage in Perth reflects the project’s desired outcomes.

"Humans get distracted and people lose attention - these sensors don't drink and drive, they don't get tired and they don't get distracted," Mr Burns said, speaking with The West Australian.

"Perth feels very much like a US experience, the population densities are very similar and I think people are using cars in pretty much the same way."

Burns believes autonomous cars could cut the road toll by up to 90 percent, while operating ten times more efficiently than cars driven by humans.