It said that the lorries will drive closely together with the front vehicle pushing air out of the way, making the other vehicles more efficient and lowering their emissions.

Ministers said that a driver will be in the cab of each of the lorries controlling the steering and ready to take over full control in the event of a problem.

The Government has provided £8.1 million funding towards the trials, which will initially take place on a test track before being carried out on motorways.

Details of where the motorway trials will be conducted have not been released, but the Government has prevoiusly indicated the trials could take place on a stretch of the M6 near Carlisle.