Ministers urged to transfer driverless taxi trials to TfL by 2026

Ministers are being pressed to transfer regulatory control of driverless taxi trials to Transport for London, as companies prepare to launch automated passenger services in the capital by 2026. The Department for Transport currently oversees the authorisation of autonomous vehicles on public roads, while TfL holds jurisdiction over paid passenger services. This division has raised concerns about London’s devolved transport powers.

Caroline Russell, chair of the London Assembly’s transport committee, said the government has overstepped by regulating driverless taxi trials without TfL’s involvement. She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that TfL should determine how these vehicles operate, including data sharing and safety rules. Russell described the current arrangement as a threat to London’s devolved authority over its transport network.

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Firms seek approval for 2026 rollout

Uber, Wayve, and Waymo are among the firms seeking approval to transport passengers in automated vehicles in London as early as next year. Uber has already invited users to register interest in its robotaxi service. Waymo is testing a fleet of 100 vehicles on London’s roads, though these trials do not yet involve carrying paying passengers.

The Department for Transport announced last year that it would fast-track small-scale trials of driverless taxis and buses without safety drivers in 2026, with a potential wider rollout in 2027. However, the Automated Vehicles Act 2024, which became law last year, places legal responsibility for accidents on approved operators rather than drivers. The act will be fully implemented in the second half of 2025.

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TfL warns of devolution risks

TfL commissioner Andy Lord warned the London Assembly’s transport committee in March that the Department for Transport’s regulation of autonomous vehicles could undermine London’s devolved powers. Lord said TfL must ensure the government’s approach does not override the mayor and TfL’s authority over the capital’s transport network.

Lord confirmed that TfL has the power to block firms from obtaining licences for commercial taxi services in London. However, companies could still apply to operate automated vehicles for purposes such as deliveries without TfL’s approval. He said TfL is not currently involved in any trials for commercial use of driverless vehicles.

We’re all a bit surprised because this is a new technology but the government has been controlling these trials and giving permission for the trials without TfL having any say.

Caroline Russell, London Assembly transport committee chair

A TfL spokesperson said the body is actively engaging with the government to shape future services. They emphasised that safety remains TfL’s top priority and that any new passenger service would require appropriate regulatory approvals. TfL is in discussions with potential operators and plans to issue guidance for automated services shortly.

A Department for Transport spokesperson said permits for automated passenger services in London cannot be issued without TfL’s consent, as set out in the Automated Vehicles Act 2024. They added that the department continues to work closely with TfL ahead of any future pilots. Roads and buses minister Simon Lightwood previously described driverless vehicles as a transformative opportunity for the economy and job creation.

What happens next

TfL is expected to publish guidance for operators of automated passenger services in the coming months. The Department for Transport has opened applications for firms to run self-driving taxis commercially across Britain, with London likely to be among the first locations for trials. The government aims to begin small-scale trials without safety drivers in 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.