Mayor Sadiq Khan pushes cap on robotaxis after Brent trials
London's mayor urges tighter limits as Freenow by Lyft tests 24 driverless Baidu cars in Brent, while TfL's powers remain limited.
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The central claim is attributed to Sadiq Khan and Freenow by Lyft, with specific details on vehicle testing and company plans.
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The article clearly separates fact from comment, names affected parties, and explains what happens next.
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The headline uses mild emphasis, and the article provides a balanced view of the technology's potential.
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London’s mayor announced on 1 November 2026 that he wants a legal limit on the number of robotaxis that may operate in the capital. The call follows a trial of 24 Baidu‑powered autonomous vehicles in the borough of Brent, which Freenow by Lyft hopes to expand into a fully driverless service by 2027.
Background to the mayor’s request
London ULEZ fines drop 13.9% to 1.68 million
Transport for London issued over 1.6 million penalty notices in the 2025-2026 financial year, a decrease from the previous year.
Sadiq Khan told reporters that politicians have not kept pace with the speed of technological change. He warned that unchecked robotaxi growth could worsen air quality, increase congestion and threaten the livelihoods of private‑hire and black‑taxi drivers. Khan’s remarks were reported by The Guardian.
Testing in Brent
Freenow by Lyft, a UK arm of the US ride‑hailing firm Lyft, is conducting trials of Baidu’s Apollo Go platform in Brent. Danny O’Gorman, UK and Ireland general manager, said the company is operating about 24 autonomous vehicles and that the cars feature massage seats and rear‑facing touchscreens. He added that many trips still need human intervention, especially around roadworks.
London rail commuters face up to 4.2% fare rise
Regulated fares are set to increase next March, with no funding allocated to extend the current freeze beyond spring 2027.
Regulatory limits
Under the current national framework, Transport for London can only give or refuse consent for the use of fully autonomous vehicles on London streets. It cannot issue licences or directly manage robotaxi operators, a point highlighted in The Guardian article.
What we don’t want is a situation where there’s a big bang without proper regulation in place.
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London
Employment prospects at the proposed depot
O’Gorman said Freenow by Lyft plans a purpose‑built autonomous‑vehicle depot in the UK. He suggested that a large proportion of drivers displaced by robotaxis could be employed in remote‑operating and servicing roles at that site. The company argues that the age profile of many taxi drivers, with two‑thirds over 50, makes a transition to remote work feasible.
Next steps
Khan said his office will continue lobbying the central government for expanded TfL powers, including the ability to set a cap on robotaxi numbers. Freenow by Lyft remains in talks with TfL to ensure its future service complies with any new rules. Residents can watch council meetings on the Barnet website for updates on any London‑wide regulatory changes.
Questions this report answers
+What limit is the mayor asking for?
Sadiq Khan is asking the government to introduce a statutory cap on the number of robotaxis that can operate in London. The cap would aim to control congestion, protect air quality and safeguard taxi‑driver jobs.
+How many autonomous vehicles are being tested in Brent?
About 24 Baidu Apollo Go autonomous cars are currently being trialled in Brent, according to Freenow by Lyft’s UK and Ireland general manager. The trial is under TfL consent and is intended to lead to a driverless service next year.
+What powers does TfL have over robotaxis right now?
Under existing regulations, Transport for London can only give or refuse consent for the use of fully autonomous vehicles on London streets. It cannot issue licences, set caps or directly manage robotaxi operators.
+Will displaced taxi drivers get new jobs?
Freenow by Lyft says a future UK depot could employ many displaced taxi drivers in remote‑operating and servicing roles. The company argues that this offers a pathway for drivers, especially those over 50, to transition into the autonomous‑vehicle sector.
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