Firms will be able to pilot small scale self-driving ‘taxi- and bus-like’ services for the first time, which could be available to members of the public to book via an app
Driverless taxi and bus services will be brought to the UK next year.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed today that the Government will bring forward self-driving commercial pilots on England’s roads to Spring 2026. Firms will be able to pilot small scale “taxi- and bus-like” services without a driver for the first time, which could be available to members of the public to book via an app.
Uber will trial robotaxis – autonomous cars – in a partnership with UK AI firm Wayve in London as soon as next spring. Ministers said the driverless car expansion could create 38,000 jobs and a £42billion industry.
A potential wider rollout is expected when the full Automated Vehicles (AV) Act becomes law from the second half of 2027. Driverless vehicles aim to reduce human error, which contributes to 88% of all road collisions. Unlike human drivers, AVs can never get distracted or tired and they won’t drink-drive or speed.
The AV Act will require self-driving vehicles to achieve a level of safety at least as high as competent and careful human drivers. They will undergo rigorous safety tests, and be subject to consent from local authorities, before being allowed on roads.
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The Department for Transport said self-driving vehicles can help reduce deaths and injuries by having faster reaction times than humans, and by being trained on large numbers of driving scenarios, including learning from real-world incidents.
Driverless vehicles can also improve transport for millions of people. Ministers said they could add new public transport options in rural areas to boost connectivity for local communities, and improve mobility, accessibility and independence for those unable to drive.
The announcement comes during London Tech Week as part of the Department’s new Transport AI Action Plan, which sets out how the Government is using AI to drive economic growth and reduce traffic congestion.
Ms Alexander said: “The future of transport is arriving. Self-driving cars could bring jobs, investment, and the opportunity for the UK to be among the world-leaders in new technology.
“With road safety at the heart of our pilots and legislation, we continue to take bold steps to create jobs, back British industry, and drive innovation to deliver our Plan for Change.”
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: “We can’t afford to take a back seat on AI, unless it’s on a self-driving bus. It’s great to see the UK storming ahead as a global leader in using this technology – making our roads safer, travel easier and driving growth by spurring innovation across the country.
“That’s why we’re bringing timelines forward today, placing the UK firmly in the fast lane and creating opportunity along the way so people across the country benefit.”
Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders, said: “Britain’s self-driving vehicle revolution moves one step closer, with today’s announcements putting the country on track to reap the road safety and socio-economic benefits this technology can deliver.
“Pilot rollout of commercial self-driving services from next year will widen public access to mobility, while the consultation will ensure the technology is deployed in a safe and responsible way. These latest measures will help Britain remain a world leader in the development and introduction of self-driving vehicles, a manifest application of AI at its finest.”
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