Uber has announced it is “ready to go” with driverless taxis in the UK, but the government has delayed the expected approval of fully autonomous vehicles until the second half of 2027 — pushing back from the previous target of 2026 set by the former administration.
Currently, limited self-driving technology is permitted on UK roads, but a human driver must remain behind the wheel and responsible for the vehicle’s operation.
However, with advancements from tech companies like UK-based AI firm Wayve, more sophisticated automated cars are being trialed on British streets.
During a recent ride across central London in a Ford Mach-E equipped with Wayve’s AI-driven sensors and software, the BBC’s Zoe Kleinman experienced firsthand the “hands-off” driving system that uses radar, seven cameras, and onboard computing to navigate complex urban environments.
The vehicle smoothly handled pedestrians, parked cars, traffic lights, and cyclists without any intervention from the safety driver present.
Andrew Macdonald, Uber’s senior vice president of mobility, who joined the ride, stressed the company’s readiness to launch robotaxis as soon as regulations allow.
Uber currently collaborates with 18 automated vehicle technology firms and already operates driverless taxis in the US, China, the UAE, and Singapore.
While the US and China are seen as ahead in deployment, Macdonald argued that this is primarily due to those regions being the origin of much of the technology development, rather than a reflection of the UK’s capabilities.
“We are working quickly and will implement self-driving vehicle legislation in the second half of 2027,” said the UK Department for Transport, adding that short-term trials and pilots are being explored to prepare a thriving self-driving sector.
In the US, robotaxis typically operate 20 hours daily, seven days a week, with fares currently matching those of human-driven rides. The option to select a driverless ride appears in the Uber app only if available, allowing customers to opt in or out.
Despite progress, public confidence remains a hurdle. A 2024 YouGov poll found that 37% of Brits feel “very unsafe” travelling in a car without a driver. Macdonald believes that nervousness dissipates quickly once passengers experience the technology firsthand.
Safety remains a critical issue. Though studies suggest autonomous vehicles have fewer accidents than human-driven cars based on US data, incidents have occurred, including road accidents and passengers trapped inside robotaxis.
Uber’s Macdonald acknowledged that “one accident is too many,” but noted that unpredictable events happen even with human drivers.
Practical challenges also persist in the UK around insurance, liability, and ownership in the event of accidents involving self-driving vehicles. These questions are still under review.
Tom Leggett, vehicle technology manager at independent car safety centre Thatcham Research, said robotaxis must be “safety-led” and ensure transparency of data for insurers and investigators.
The UK government is optimistic about the economic potential of self-driving vehicles, estimating the industry could be worth £42 billion and create 38,000 jobs by 2035.
Yet, the rise of driverless cars raises concerns about job losses among professional drivers. GMB union national secretary Andy Prendergast called for the social impact to be “fully considered.”
For Uber’s Macdonald, the technology represents a transformational shift in transport. “I’ve got young kids,” he said. “Do I think my daughters will necessarily get their driver’s licences when they turn 16? No — I think the world is changing a lot.
