The streets of London are set to welcome driverless taxis as early as spring 2026, following Uber's announcement of a landmark trial in partnership with UK tech firm Wayve.
This move comes after the UK government fast-tracked plans for fully autonomous vehicle pilots, allowing companies to operate small-scale taxi or "bus-like" services for public use without a human safety driver on board for the first time in Europe.
Uber, which sees London as its largest European market, plans for these autonomous vehicles to be bookable via its app.
A broader rollout of these "robotaxis" is anticipated after the Automated Vehicles Act fully takes effect in late 2027. The UK has accelerated its timeline, drawing lessons from established driverless taxi services in cities such as San Francisco and various locations in China.
The Department for Transport (DfT) anticipates significant economic benefits, projecting the technology could generate 38,000 jobs and contribute £42 billion to the industry by 2035.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander hailed the development, stating: "The future of transport is arriving. Self-driving cars could bring jobs, investment, and the opportunity for the UK to be among the world leaders in new technology."
The DfT also believes these vehicles will enhance road safety, introduce new public transport options in rural areas, and improve accessibility for non-drivers.
While self-driving vehicle trials have occurred in the UK for over a decade, all previous road tests required a safety driver. The new Automated Vehicles Act mandates that self-driving cars must demonstrate "a level of safety at least as high as competent and careful human drivers."
Wayve co-founder and CEO, Alex Kendall, expressed optimism about the accelerated trials, saying: "These early pilots will help build public trust and unlock new jobs, services and markets."
Gavin Jackson, CEO of fellow British firm Oxa, echoed this sentiment, noting the announcement "shows that Britain is ready for this technology."
However, the impending arrival of robotaxis has sparked concern among some, particularly regarding the future of existing taxi and private hire/Uber drivers.
Labour’s transport spokesperson in the London assembly, Elly Baker, warned: "Although jobs might be created building and managing driverless cars, existing taxi and private hire drivers shouldn’t risk being left behind."
Black cab drivers, long accustomed to market shifts, appear largely unperturbed. Steve McNamara, General Secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association, dismissed the plans as unrealistic. "They are living in fantasy land. We’re probably going to have flying taxis before we have autonomous ones in London," McNamara quipped.
He questioned public trust, adding: "Are people who don’t trust a robot to cut their grass or clean their house going to trust one to take their kids to school or drive their elderly mum around?"
McNamara remains unconvinced, stating: "I’m genuinely not worried. Come back to me in 2040."
The event will unfold at Cresta's offices, with ice cream served from 12pm to 3pm this Saturday, June 14, in Connah's Quay, and on Sunday, June 15, in Mold.
Midlothian Taxi Owner’s Association (MTOA) has called on the council to consider introducing fares which mirror Edinburgh and say costs have increased significantly since the last review in 2022.
The incident, which occurred on April 26 at approximately 8:15pm, saw the driver's window struck and his registration plate damaged.
The policy, enforced since April, has sparked a protest rally and deep concerns among drivers who fear it could jeopardise their livelihoods.
West Midlands Police reported that the vehicle was stolen by Alfie Mooney, 19, on Bromford Lane, Hodge Hill, shortly after 2am.
Mohammed Sohail Akram pleaded guilty at Burnley Magistrates’ Court to the offence.
A Pembrokeshire taxi driver has spoken of enduring nightmares and profound family fears after being robbed at knifepoint and pricked with a needle by a couple in Milford Haven last October.
This figure marks a significant increase compared to the 11 revocations made in the same period last year.
The long-running Edinburgh Taxi Outing made its way through the city centre on Tuesday morning 10 June, as drivers donned their cabs with colourful balloons.
As part of National Licensing Week 2025, ten licensed taxis in South Ribble underwent inspections by local police and South Ribble BC aiming to ensure compliance with taxi licensing laws.
A simmering dispute over illegal parking near a Worcester taxi rank has boiled over, with a cycling group calling it a "massive problem" and a councillor labelling it an "anti-taxi campaign."
Pendle’s Taxi Licensing Policy has been updated to improve safety standards in vehicles and Pendle Borough Council wants your views on the proposed changes.
Police officers are appealing for help to identify three men they believe may have information regarding an incident in which a taxi driver was threatened.
Worcester City Council has revoked the licences of ten taxi drivers over the past three years, signalling a firm stance on maintaining high standards and enforcing regulations within the city's taxi services.
A multi-agency enforcement operation in Warrington town centre on Saturday evening, June 7, led to the suspension of one taxi driver and the delayed suspension of two others.
An Uber driver was the victim of a violent and unprovoked assault by two male passengers during a journey in Derker, Oldham.
The delays in processing licence renewal requests caused significant financial hardship for many drivers as they were left unable to work – in some cases for months at a time.
This fast-tracked initiative underscores the Government's ambition for the UK to be at the forefront of autonomous vehicle technology.
At a meeting of the council’s licensing committee, members voted in favour of removing the long-standing policy that restricted vehicles from being licensed beyond ten years.
Hannah Burgess, 27, recently shared an online video in which a driver initially declined to transport her golden retriever, Morris, before eventually relenting.