London Assembly urges halt to driverless taxi rollout

Plans for driverless taxis to operate widely on London's streets have been met with a call for caution from the London Assembly's transport committee. The committee has recommended that Transport for London (TfL) withhold approval for a full rollout until more robust safety measures are established. The report highlights concerns that the technology could exacerbate existing transport issues, including traffic congestion and air pollution.

Safety and Passenger Concerns

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The committee expressed scepticism regarding the safety claims made by autonomous vehicle operators such as Waymo, Wayve, and Baidu, questioning their applicability to London's complex road network. A significant concern raised was the lack of convincing proposals to ensure passenger safety in emergency situations, such as during assaults, serious medical incidents, or instances of coercion while travelling without a human driver. The report stated, "We did not hear convincing proposals to safeguard passengers experiencing assault, medical emergency or coercion."

Caroline Russell AM, who chairs the Transport Committee, warned that the introduction of driverless cars could place additional strain on London's roads and public transport. She stated, "Driverless cars may offer convenience, but could also delay local buses, add pollution outside schools or snarl up a busy junction." She urged TfL to prioritise the public purpose of streets for safe, efficient, and convenient travel for all Londoners in its guidance for this technology.

Regulatory and Deployment Timetable

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The report also pointed to a perceived lack of authority for TfL to limit the number of driverless vehicles or to revoke an operator's licence if issues arise. While driverless taxis are already in operation in some US and Chinese cities, London's potential status as the first European city to introduce the technology has faced scrutiny. The government and autonomous vehicle companies had initially aimed for a commercial launch by spring 2026, a timeline accelerated by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander in mid-2025 from an initial late-2027 target. However, regulatory delays have persisted, with TfL yet to issue specific guidance. As of late 2026, no operator had successfully completed the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s multi-stage safety assessment, suggesting a wider UK rollout might be deferred to 2027.

Public opinion, as reflected in a YouGov survey cited in the report, shows a divided response, with 42% of Londoners opposing the introduction of driverless vehicles and 29% in support. Key concerns among the public include emergency response protocols, road safety risks, and the potential for technological failure.

Recommendations for Future Deployment

The London Assembly's Transport Committee has put forward 13 recommendations. These include granting TfL more control over driverless vehicle permits, establishing more stringent safety standards, and closely monitoring the impact on traffic and public transport. The committee also advocates for enhanced passenger protections, improved accessibility for disabled individuals, clear emergency procedures, and support for workers potentially affected by job displacement.

TfL officials have indicated they are not rushing the approval process, emphasising that safety remains their primary consideration.