London Assembly demands TfL oversight of driverless taxi trials
The London Assembly Transport Committee warns that central government is overriding devolved powers regarding autonomous vehicle testing.
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The London Assembly is calling on ministers to grant Transport for London full oversight of driverless taxi trials. This move aims to prevent central government from overriding devolved powers in the capital. The Department for Transport previously announced plans to fast-track testing for small-scale driverless taxi and bus-like services in 2026, ahead of a potential wider rollout in 2027.
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Several autonomous vehicle operators are already seeking approval from the government to transport passengers in London as early as 2026. Uber has requested that users express interest in driverless cabs, while Waymo is currently testing a fleet of 100 autonomous vehicles on London roads. The Department for Transport stated that TfL remains responsible for taxi licensing in the capital and will continue working with the body on these trials.
The regulation of all of this is being controlled by the government when TfL should have a licensing role in this.
Caroline Russell, Chairwoman of the London Assembly Transport Committee
Caroline Russell, the chairwoman of the London Assembly Transport Committee, said the government appeared to have stepped in on London's devolved powers. She noted that the government has been controlling these trials and giving permission without TfL having a say. Russell said the committee will scrutinise how transport decisions are made to ensure TfL manages the whole transport network.
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Legal shifts and local risks
The Automated Vehicles Act 2024 establishes that legal responsibility for collisions lies with approved operators rather than drivers. Full implementation of this Act is due in the second half of 2027. While TfL can block commercial passenger licences, Andy Lord, the TfL commissioner, warned of a potential loophole. He told the committee in March that companies could test vehicles for uses such as delivery services without requiring consent from TfL.
A Department for Transport spokesperson said that permits for Automated Passenger Services in London cannot be issued without TfL's consent. This requirement was set out in the Automated Vehicles Act 2024. Local concerns persist regarding potential job losses for taxi and private hire drivers, alongside road safety fears.
Questions this report answers
+What is the London Assembly asking the government to do?
The London Assembly is calling on ministers to grant Transport for London full oversight of driverless taxi trials. This move aims to prevent central government from overriding devolved powers in the capital. The request follows concerns that government decisions could undermine local authority control over transport regulation.
+When will driverless taxis start operating in London?
Driverless taxi and bus testing is planned to begin in 2026 on a small scale, with a potential wider rollout in 2027. Uber and Wayve have already applied for government permission to transport passengers by 2026, while Waymo is currently testing 100 autonomous vehicles in London.
+Who is responsible if a driverless taxi causes an accident?
Under the Automated Vehicles Act 2024, legal responsibility for collisions lies with approved operators rather than drivers. Full implementation of this Act is due in late 2027, shifting accountability from drivers to the companies managing the autonomous vehicles.
+What risks do local authorities see in the government’s plans?
TfL commissioner Andy Lord warned that companies could test vehicles for uses like deliveries without TfL’s consent, creating a potential loophole. Local concerns also include job losses for taxi and private hire drivers, alongside road safety fears over autonomous vehicle testing.
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