Driverless delivery vans will be used to move parcels between either warehouses and shops or stores and homes in south east London. While there will be no driver in the vehicles, an operator will sit within the van – which could be as big as a classic Mercedes Sprinter – to ensure the operation runs smoothly and to take control in the case of an emergency. The scheme will be rolled out across a pre-determined route in Greenwich, London, next year, with the route possibly taking in a large Sainsbury’s distribution depot, a Tesco store and the O2 arena. The trial will determine whether driverless vans can help companies move to 24/7 deliveries, which could theoretically allow for more journeys if they can be completed quicker away from rush hour.