UK driverless cars coming in 2027 - but Uber says it's ready now

In a significant development for transportation in the UK, Uber has announced that it is prepared to launch driverless taxis immediately. However, the UK government has indicated that the approval for fully autonomous vehicles will be delayed until 2027. Initially, the government had projected that these self-driving cars would be ready for the roads by 2026, but recent updates suggest that the timeline has shifted to the latter half of 2027. Currently, while some self-driving technology is permitted on UK roads, it is mandatory for a human driver to be present and responsible for the vehicle, even when automated systems are in use. I had the opportunity to experience a ride in an automated car in central London, utilizing a system developed by Wayve, a UK-based AI firm. Andrew Macdonald, Uber's senior vice president of mobility, accompanied me during this ride and stated, 'We are ready to launch robotaxis in the UK as soon as the regulatory environment is ready for us. ' Uber is collaborating with 18 companies that specialize in automated car technology, including Wayve, and is already offering robotaxis in the United States, as well as in countries like China, the UAE, and Singapore. Mr. Macdonald expressed that the UK is not lagging behind other nations, arguing that the advancements in the US and China are primarily due to the concentration of technological development in those regions. The Department for Transport has confirmed that they are working on legislation for self-driving vehicles, aiming for implementation in the second half of 2027. They are also exploring options for short-term trials and pilot programs to foster a successful self-driving industry. nnDuring my ride, Mr. Macdonald shared that in the US, robotaxis typically operate for 20 hours a day, seven days a week. Despite the absence of a human driver, Uber maintains that the fare for a ride remains the same as it would be with a human driver. When a robotaxi is available, customers can choose whether to take it or not. One of the challenges to the widespread adoption of self-driving cars is the public's apprehension about traveling in a vehicle without a human driver. A poll conducted by YouGov in 2024 revealed that many people were hesitant about using self-driving taxis. However, Mr. Macdonald believes that initial nervousness among new customers quickly fades, and the experience soon becomes 'the new normal. ' I found this to be true during my ride. Future trials of self-driving cars in the UK will allow for a completely 'hands-free' experience, meaning that no human will need to be in control of the vehicle. nnThe car I rode in was a Ford Mach-E, equipped with Wayve's autonomous driving sensors and software. It utilized radar and seven cameras to navigate its surroundings. In the trunk, there was a computer that processed all the sensor data in real-time, controlling the car's actions. The automated technology managed every situation seamlessly, including navigating around pedestrians, parked cars, heavy traffic, temporary traffic lights, and delivery bikes. Our safety driver, George, did not need to intervene at any point during the ride, and the emergency shut-off button was never used. The automated car demonstrated a level of patience and precision that I found impressive, especially compared to my own driving style. The question of whether autonomous vehicles are safer than those driven by humans is still under investigation. However, numerous studies suggest that automated vehicles are less likely to be involved in accidents compared to human drivers, based on data from the US. Nevertheless, there have been incidents involving robotaxis in other countries, including accidents and passengers being trapped inside the vehicles. For instance, in January, a man in Arizona documented his experience of being stuck in a driverless car in an airport parking lot, unable to stop the vehicle or seek help. In 2023, General Motors halted its driverless taxi service, Cruise, in San Francisco due to safety concerns. Mr. Macdonald acknowledged that 'one accident is too many,' but he also pointed out that accidents can occur in the real world, whether with human drivers or electric vehicles. In the UK, there are still practical issues to address regarding insurance, ownership, and liability when a self-driving vehicle is involved in an accident. Mr. Macdonald mentioned that these matters are still being resolved. nnTom Leggett, the vehicle technology manager at Thatcham Research, an independent car safety center, emphasized that robotaxis in the UK must prioritize safety. He also noted that it is essential to ensure that data is accessible to those who need it, such as insurers and investigators looking into incidents. The government has stated that self-driving vehicles have the potential to create an industry worth £42 billion and generate 38,000 jobs by 2035. However, there are concerns about the impact of this technology on individuals who earn a living as drivers. Andy Prendergast, the national secretary of the GMB union, highlighted the 'significant social implications' that driverless cars and taxis could have, including potential job loss for workers. Meanwhile, Mr. Macdonald believes that automated vehicles will revolutionize the way people travel in the near future. He reflected on his own family, saying, 'Do I think my daughters will necessarily get their driver's licenses when they turn 16? ' He concluded, 'No – I think the world is changing a lot.