London Assembly urges caution on robotaxi rollout
A new report questions the readiness of autonomous passenger services for the capital's streets.
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The London Assembly's transport committee has stated it has not yet received enough evidence to be convinced that London should permit autonomous passenger services. The committee's report highlights concerns regarding the safety of robotaxis on the capital's complex road network, potential increases in congestion, and the impact on private hire drivers.
Public opinion and operator applications
London Assembly urges halt to driverless taxi rollout
A new report calls for stronger safety measures before 'robotaxis' are approved for wider use on city streets.
A survey conducted for the committee by YouGov revealed that 42% of respondents are against the introduction of robotaxis, with 29% in favour. The primary reasons cited for opposition were safety and the potential for technical failures. Despite interest from companies such as Wayve (partnered with Uber), Waymo, and Freenow (partnered with Baidu), none have yet submitted formal applications to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) for operating permits.
Regulatory powers and future legislation
Under existing regulations, the UK government is responsible for granting robotaxi operating permits and monitoring their performance. Transport for London (TfL) currently has a limited role, able to provide only one-off consent for such services. The report suggests that TfL should have full regulatory powers when the Automated Vehicles Act 2024 comes into force, which is scheduled for the second half of 2027.
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The committee's recommendations for TfL include establishing strict safety standards, improving collaboration between operators, police, and emergency services, ensuring comprehensive data sharing, and monitoring 'empty miles' driven by autonomous vehicles. The aim is to ensure that any new autonomous vehicle service aligns with City Hall's transport strategy, which prioritises safety, sustainability, and active travel.
Christine Calderato, TfL's strategy director, informed the committee that TfL lacks an ongoing role in monitoring services once vehicles are operating on the streets, as it does not issue the permits. The report advocates for a pause in the rollout to allow for stronger regulation, address concerns from current drivers, and transfer full control to TfL.
Questions this report answers
+What is the London Assembly transport committee's stance on robotaxis?
The committee has concluded that it has not yet heard sufficient evidence to persuade it that London should welcome autonomous passenger services. They are concerned about safety, congestion, and the impact on existing jobs.
+What do Londoners think about robotaxis?
A YouGov survey for the committee found that 42% of respondents oppose the introduction of robotaxis, while 29% support them. Safety and potential technical failures were the main concerns for those opposed.
+Who is currently in charge of regulating robotaxis in London?
Under current UK rules, the government grants robotaxi operating permits. Transport for London (TfL) can only provide one-off consent, and does not have an ongoing role once vehicles are on the street.
+When will the new rules for autonomous vehicles come into effect?
The Automated Vehicles Act 2024, which will govern the deployment of autonomous vehicles including robotaxis, is scheduled to come into force in the second half of 2027.
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