More than six in every 10 UK motorists are afraid of driverless cars, according to the RAC.

While carrying out research for its annual Report on Motoring, the organisation found that 62% of respondents were scared by the thought of autonomous cars being on the roads.

And two out of three (66%) of the 1,714 British drivers quizzed were also concerned about the chances of driverless vehicles being hacked, while 70% have fears about the reliability of the software used in the vehicles.

But only 27% believe that autonomous cars will make the roads safer.

Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said: 'There is quite a high level of concern about driverless cars being on the roads – 62% of motorists say they are scared by the prospect.

'This just shows what needs to be done in terms of changing people's views, but it is worth pointing out that few people have qualms about jumping on a plane, which is flown – at least part of the way – autonomously.'

The news from the RAC study wasn't entirely bad for pro-autonomy campaigners, however, as 62% agreed that the cars would improve mobility for the elderly and disabled people.

And a third (34%) of those questioned also said they expected fully driverless cars to be available to buy in the 2020s.

Meanwhile, a fifth of respondents (21%) thought driverless cars would outnumber conventional vehicles by 2040.