Posted on the 5th February 2026 in PHTM News

NEARLY HALF OF BRITS WOULDN'T FEEL SAFE IN A DRIVERLESS TAXI ACCORDING TO SURVEY

As autonomous vehicles begin to navigate the streets of London, a new study reveals that the British public remains deeply sceptical of hitching a ride in a robotaxi.

Research by Go.Compare Car Insurance found that 46% of adults “wouldn’t feel safe using a driverless Uber,” highlighting a significant hurdle for the government-backed technology currently being trialled in the capital.

The survey of 2,000 people arrived following the January launch of self-driving SUVs in London, with Uber expected to join the pilot scheme this spring.

Results of the survey, which asked for their thoughts on driverless taxis, found that:

  • 46% of those who took part said they would not feel safe using a driverless Uber
  • A further 38% would be worried about the car malfunctioning or locking them in
  • 32% said they wouldn’t use a driverless Uber because they don’t want human drivers to be replaced

Meanwhile, 12% of people said they’re excited to use a driverless taxi, and just 6% of people have no safety concerns at all.

The research also revealed that there’s a big gender difference when it comes to opinions on driverless taxis, with over half (54%) of women saying they wouldn’t feel safe using an autonomous Uber compared to 39% of men, and 43% of women saying they’re worried about the car malfunctioning or being locked in, compared to 32% of men.

Tom Banks, a spokesperson for Go.Compare, noted that while the move marks an “exciting step” for innovation, the results prove that many are “hesitant about embracing the technology.” 

He added that for the public to accept the change, “there needs to be more education around people’s safety concerns to help build confidence in autonomous vehicles.”


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