LONDON DRIVERLESS TAXI TRIAL FACES CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION OVER SAFETY CONCERNS

A controversial trial of Waymo’s driverless taxis in London has come under fire, with critics demanding the programme be halted following a high-profile safety breach.

The Brent Green Party has launched a petition urging Mayor Sadiq Khan to suspend the pilot, arguing that the autonomous vehicles "do not meet the minimum safety standards" required for city streets.

The outcry follows a recent incident in Harlesden where a Waymo vehicle drove directly into a police cordon during a double stabbing investigation.

While Waymo - a subsidiary of Google’s parent company, Alphabet - stated the car was in manual mode with a "validation driver in full control," the lapse has fuelled fears about the technology.

Newly elected Green Party councillor Amandine Alexandre labelled the footage "deeply concerning," stating: "The fact that such vehicles can operate without impunity, putting police investigations at risk of compromise, is beyond rational reasoning."

Opponents of the trial are also raising alarms over a lack of public consultation and the potential for job losses among professional drivers.

Councillor Suzanne Gallagher described the rollout as a "data collection exercise" being "imposed" on the community without their consent. The situation mirrors recent events in New York City, where robotaxi trials were paused due to similar safety fears and a lack of stakeholder support.

Waymo has defended its presence in London, noting that its depot in Park Royal represents a "major vote of confidence" in the area.

A company spokesperson argued that while scepticism "is natural," it usually "fades" once the public becomes accustomed to the cars. To address accountability, the firm highlighted the UK’s Automated Vehicles Act 2024, which ensures that when a car is fully autonomous, "liability rests with the manufacturer or software developer."

City officials remain divided on the issue. Former Brent Council Leader Muhammed Butt suggested it would be "irresponsible" not to engage with a global business bringing significant investment to the borough, though he stressed that engagement "is not a blank cheque."

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Mayor Sadiq Khan said he is "determined to harness the opportunities" of new technology but insisted that safety and public transport networks must not be compromised.

The Department for Transport remains supportive of the sector, claiming self-driving vehicles "could unlock billions" for the UK economy by 2035. However, officials reiterated that the Waymo fleet is currently in a testing phase only, carrying no passengers and requiring safety drivers to be behind the wheel at all times.

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