Uber will begin trials of fully autonomous robotaxis in London next spring, marking a significant step forward in the rollout of driverless transport in the UK. The vehicles will operate without a human safety driver behind the wheel, in partnership with British artificial intelligence firm Wayve.
Wayve has been testing autonomous technology on London’s roads for some time, but always with a human operator present, in accordance with current legal requirements. The upcoming trial, however, follows a shift in government policy aimed at fast-tracking the deployment of self-driving technology in public transport and ride-hailing services.
Initially, the UK government had targeted 2026 for the introduction of driverless cars, later pushing that date to 2027. However, it now says it will accelerate regulatory approval for small-scale commercial autonomous services such as robotaxis and shuttles, enabling pilot programmes to begin sooner than expected.
Uber has not yet confirmed whether its London trial will include public passengers, saying the details are still being finalised. However, the company has previously indicated its intention to offer autonomous rides via its UK app as soon as legislation permits.
The Department for Transport estimates that the self-driving vehicle industry could generate up to 38,000 new jobs and contribute £42 billion to the UK economy by 2035. Still, not everyone is convinced of the benefits. GMB union national secretary Andy Prendergast has raised concerns about the broader social impact, particularly the potential loss of driving jobs.
Uber’s robotaxi initiative in the UK follows the launch of a similar service in Austin, Texas, earlier this year. There, customers can choose a driverless vehicle when one is available, with no difference in fare. The vehicles are capable of operating up to 20 hours per day.
Autonomous cars have already logged millions of miles on public roads in countries such as the United States, China, Singapore, and the UAE. While several studies suggest they are generally less prone to accidents than human drivers, safety concerns remain. Incidents involving robotaxis — including minor collisions and technical glitches — have led to service suspensions in some cities, such as San Francisco.
In a recent demonstration, a BBC reporter took a 30-minute ride in a Ford Mach-E equipped with Wayve’s autonomous technology through central London. Although a safety driver was present, they never touched the controls. The AI-powered vehicle navigated complex urban challenges, including cyclists, traffic lights, and pedestrians, with caution and accuracy.
The trial is expected to be a critical milestone in determining whether fully driverless services can become a mainstream feature of the UK’s transport network.
