London not ready for driverless 'robotaxis', report warns

Plans to introduce driverless taxis on London's streets have been dealt a fresh blow after a report warned the capital is not ready for the technology.

The report raises concerns about passenger safety, traffic congestion and pollution, warning that driverless vehicles could make existing transport problems worse.

"As it stands, we currently have not heard sufficient evidence to persuade us that London should welcome autonomous passenger services,” it said.

The committee also questioned how passengers would be protected in emergencies, particularly if they were assaulted, became seriously ill or faced threats while travelling without a driver.

"We did not hear convincing proposals to safeguard passengers experiencing assault, medical emergency or coercion," the report said.

The committee also raised concerns over TfL's lack of powers to limit the number of driverless vehicles on London's roads or revoke an operator's licence if problems arise.

The report raises concerns about passenger safety, traffic congestion and pollution

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"Driverless cars may offer convenience, but could also delay local buses, add pollution outside schools or snarl up a busy junction,” she explained.

“I urge TfL to ensure its guidance for using this emerging technology in London focuses on the public purpose of our streets as places for all Londoners to get around safely, efficiently and conveniently.”

Driverless taxis are already operating in several cities across the US and China, with London potentially becoming the first European city to introduce the technology.

The plans form part of wider ambitions to strengthen London's position as a leading global city.

But the proposed rollout has faced scrutiny over safety, accountability when accidents happen, increased congestion and the potential impact on jobs for private hire drivers.

The government and autonomous vehicle companies had originally planned to launch fully driverless commercial taxi services in London by spring 2026.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander accelerated the timetable in mid-2025, bringing the target forward by almost two years from an initial late-2027 goal.

A Waymo car parking in London

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But the rollout has since faced regulatory delays, with TfL yet to publish its specific guidance for driverless vehicles operating in the capital.

TfL officials have said they are "not in a rush" to approve the technology, stressing that safety remains their priority.

Before companies can operate vehicles without a human safety driver, they must also pass a national safety assessment carried out by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

As of late 2026, no operator has successfully completed the multi-stage approval process.

A wider rollout of fully driverless vehicles across the UK now looks more likely in 2027.

A YouGov survey mentioned in the report found that just 29 per cent of Londoners supported introducing driverless vehicles, while 42 per cent were opposed.

Among the biggest concerns were how the vehicles would respond to emergencies, the risk to road safety and what would happen if the technology failed.

The London Assembly's Transport Committee has made 13 recommendations ahead of any rollout.

These include giving Transport for London (TfL) greater control over driverless vehicle permits, introducing tougher safety standards and monitoring the impact on congestion and public transport.

The committee also wants stronger protections for passengers, better accessibility for disabled people, clear emergency procedures and support for workers whose jobs could be at risk.