Waymo’s Driverless Taxis Could Hit London Streets Later This Year

Driverless taxis are edging closer to UK roads, with US autonomous car firm Waymo saying it hopes to launch a robotaxi service in London as early as September, pending regulatory approval.

Waymo, which is owned by Google parent Alphabet, has confirmed plans to begin a pilot phase in the UK this April. If regulations allow, the service could open to paying passengers later in the year.

The UK government has said it intends to change the rules governing autonomous vehicles in the second half of 2026, though no exact date has been set. Until then, Waymo’s cars are being driven around London with safety drivers while mapping streets and learning local driving behaviour.

The company showcased its vehicles this week at the London Transport Museum, offering a glimpse of what could soon become a common sight on city roads. When the service eventually launches, passengers will be able to book rides using an app, similar to existing ride-hailing services. However, there will be no human driver in the front seat.

Local Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said the government is backing trials to help bring the technology to market. “We’re supporting Waymo and other operators through our passenger pilots, and pro-innovation regulations to make self-driving cars a reality on British roads,” Greenwood said, according to the BBC.

She also pointed to potential safety benefits, adding, “We know that unlike human drivers, automated vehicles don’t get tired, don’t get distracted and don’t drive under the influence.”

Safety and cybersecurity in focus

While ministers appear optimistic, Greenwood stressed that safety standards remain a key hurdle before full approval is granted. “Every self-driving vehicle deployed on our roads must meet strict safety and security standards, including protection from hacking and cyber threats,” she said, according to Auto Express.

Waymo says its vehicles rely on multiple sensor systems to continuously monitor their surroundings. Data from these sensors is processed in real time by an onboard computer that controls how the car responds.

As for pricing, the company stated it will be “competitive” but “premium,” and will include surge pricing during high-demand periods. The initial service area within London has not been specified, and airport trips will not be available at the start.

Waymo won’t have the robotaxi market to itself. Rival companies Uber and Lyft have also announced plans to trial their own driverless services in London, with both partnering with the Chinese tech firm Baidu. Tesla has also projected a major global rollout of its ‘Robotaxi’ service.

The government estimates that the budding self-driving vehicle industry could be worth a staggering £42 billion to the UK economy by 2035, creating up to 38,000 new jobs.

Also read: New safety data suggests Waymo’s driverless cars may reduce serious crashes.

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