Private hire drivers protest robotaxi rollout in King's Cross
Around 20 drivers expressed fears over job security and livelihood impacts from autonomous vehicles.
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Concerns over job security have been raised by private hire drivers in London following the ongoing rollout of autonomous vehicle technology. Approximately 20 drivers gathered outside Wayve's headquarters in King's Cross on Saturday to voice their anxieties about the potential impact on their livelihoods.
Drivers fear being 'collateral damage'
London Assembly urges caution on robotaxi rollout
A new report questions the readiness of autonomous passenger services for the capital's streets.
The protest was organised by the App Drivers’ and Couriers’ Union (ADCU), which stated that drivers are being treated as 'collateral damage' by the introduction of robotaxis. Uber driver Abdurzak Hadi, 50, who has worked for the company for over 12 years, described feeling like an 'old car that’s not needed anymore'. He expressed worry about his ability to compete with autonomous vehicles that could operate continuously.
Mr Hadi called for the complete cessation of the robotaxi rollout and urged London Mayor Lord Sadiq Khan to clarify his position on the matter. He stated that many drivers would be impacted by the technology and that the Mayor had promised to protect Londoners.
Calls for Mayoral intervention and regulatory powers
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.
Brent councillor Amandine Alexandre also called on Mayor Khan to adopt a firm stance against robotaxis, comparing the situation to the Mayor's opposition to Heathrow Airport expansion. Councillor Alexandre suggested that London could choose not to adopt the technology if it was deemed detrimental.
The London Assembly Transport Committee has recommended that the Government grant Transport for London (TfL) the authority to limit the number of autonomous passenger vehicles that operators can deploy within the city. The committee has stated it has not yet seen sufficient evidence to support the widespread adoption of driverless services in London.
Current status of autonomous vehicle licensing
TfL issued minicab licences for self-driving vehicles in August. Londoners are currently able to hail these autonomous vehicles through the Uber app, with each vehicle still equipped with a safety driver who can take control if necessary. Uber has reported that over 140,000 Londoners have expressed a preference for using self-driving vehicles via their app.
Questions this report answers
+Why did private hire drivers protest in King's Cross?
Around 20 private hire drivers protested outside Wayve's headquarters in King's Cross on Saturday. They expressed concerns that the rollout of robotaxis threatens their jobs and livelihoods, fearing they will be unable to compete with autonomous vehicles operating 24 hours a day.
+What is the App Drivers’ and Couriers’ Union's stance?
The ADCU organised the protest and stated that drivers are being treated as 'collateral damage' by the introduction of autonomous vehicles. The union is calling for compensation for drivers impacted by this technology and for a clear stance from the Mayor.
+What powers does the London Assembly Transport Committee want?
The London Assembly Transport Committee has urged the Government to give Transport for London (TfL) the power to cap the deployment of autonomous passenger vehicles. They have indicated they have not yet seen sufficient evidence to support the widespread introduction of driverless services in London.
+Can Londoners already hail self-driving cars?
Yes, TfL granted minicab licences for self-driving vehicles in August. Londoners can now hail these vehicles through Uber, although each car is currently equipped with a safety driver who can take control if needed.
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