UK one step closer to self-driving taxis and bus-style vehicles
Passengers could book self-driving taxis and bus-style vehicles later this year, as applications open today for operators to run cars across the UK.
The pilot scheme will enable firms – including British self-driving technology company Wayve – to bring cutting-edge technology to British roads.
Self-driving taxis
Services could enhance journeys by supporting greater freedom and independence for older and disabled people, as well as expanding travel options across both work and leisure.
Self-driving technology could transform roads, with human error currently contributing to 88% of collisions on UK roads.
Safety will be central to the pilot scheme, which will gather real-world evidence on how self-driving vehicles operate on everyday roads, from navigating busy urban streets to interacting with traffic and carrying passengers safely.
Services will be subject to rigorous approval checks by government, including strict safety assessments to ensure the technology is protected against cyber and security threats.
Roads and buses minister, Simon Lightwood said of the self-driving taxis and other vehicles: “Self-driving vehicles represent a transformative opportunity for Britain, opening up independent travel for disabled people and older adults, whilst driving growth and creating high-skilled jobs across the UK.
“This pilot scheme brings that future closer, giving passengers the opportunity to experience self-driving travel first-hand while ensuring safety always comes first.”
Local priorities
Local transport authorities, such as Transport for London, will also need to provide local consent to ensure services reflect local priorities.
The Government is working closely with safety and accessibility experts as it develops the regulations needed to safely bring self-driving vehicles to British roads.
Learnings from the pilots will support development of self-driving vehicle regulations, which are currently being progressed by Government, following a Call for Evidence which closed in March.
Sarfraz Maredia, global head of autonomous mobility & delivery, Uber, said: “This is an exciting and important step toward launching autonomous vehicles in the UK.”
Ben Loewenstein, Waymo head of policy and government affairs for the UK and Europe, added: “The UK is leading the way in enabling the safe deployment of pilot autonomous vehicle services. We hope to soon become part of London’s transport network and demonstrate the safety, accessibility, sustainability benefits of battery-electric autonomous vehicles through the government’s pilot scheme. We are working closely with the Department for Transport and Transport for London to ensure our operations align with their goals.
Global leader
“Waymo is serving riders in eleven major metropolitan areas in the US, providing over 500,000 rides each week. We are excited to bring our world-leading, fully autonomous ride-hailing service to the UK, and help make transport in London safer and more accessible.”
Sarah Gates, vice-president of global affairs and assurance at Wayve, said of the self-driving taxies and other vehicles:
“The UK has all the ingredients to become a global leader in the deployment of self-driving vehicles, and today’s launch of the Automated Passenger Services scheme marks an important milestone. Wayve has been developing its technology in the UK for nearly a decade, and we’re excited to bring our supervised passenger service to market here this year.
“Self-driving vehicles represent a generational opportunity to make road transport safer, more accessible and more convenient for millions of people. Beyond the societal benefits, this sector also has the potential to drive significant economic growth — revitalising the UK’s industrial base, creating high-skilled jobs, and strengthening the country’s position as a world-leading technology ecosystem.”
