Sadiq Khan Demands Power to Cap Robotaxis Ahead of UK Driverless Rollout
London mayor Sadiq Khan is urging the UK government to give local authorities powers to cap robotaxis as driverless vehicle trials expand in the capital.
At a glance
- London mayor Sadiq Khan called for a cap on robotaxis ahead of a planned national rollout of driverless vehicles.
- Khan warned about potential impacts on city congestion, air quality, and jobs for local taxi and private hire drivers.
- Freenow by Lyft plans to launch fully driverless Baidu robotaxis next year under national licensing schemes.
London mayor Sadiq Khan is pressing the UK government for powers to limit the number of robotaxis operating on the capital's streets. As ministers prepare to allow fully driverless vehicles on public roads, Khan warned that current regulations do not adequately address the pace of technological change.
His remarks follow recent trials of autonomous vehicles by companies including Wayve, Waymo, and Freenow by Lyft, which plans to introduce driverless Baidu vehicles next year. While proponents point to economic investment and technological progress, city leaders and unions have raised concerns over potential job losses and street congestion.
Robotaxi rollout
Sadiq Khan argued that politicians have failed to grasp how quickly autonomous vehicle technology is developing. He questioned whether current rules are sufficient to protect air quality, manage traffic, and safeguard the livelihoods of black-cab and private hire drivers.
Union protests have already taken place outside the London headquarters of autonomous vehicle firms. Under existing rules, Transport for London can grant or refuse consent for testing but lacks the authority to manage or license robotaxi services directly, leaving local leaders reliant on national frameworks.
Testing plans
Freenow by Lyft defended the national framework as vital for market investment. Danny O'Gorman, the company's UK and Ireland general manager, stated that they are working closely with Transport for London and aim to operate responsibly.
About 24 autonomous Baidu Apollo Go vehicles are currently undergoing trials in the London borough of Brent. While test vehicles have encountered challenges with complex road layouts and roadworks, Freenow by Lyft suggested that a new autonomous vehicle depot could eventually provide alternative employment for displaced drivers.
Urban transport analysis
The debate highlights a growing tension between national economic strategy and municipal governance as autonomous transport moves closer to commercial reality. For London, incorporating dense traffic and narrow streets into a national licensing scheme creates regulatory friction between local authorities and Westminster.
How policymakers balance technological innovation with public transit oversight will shape the future of urban mobility across the country.
What to watch: Watch for the UK government's response to London's requests for expanded municipal powers over autonomous vehicle licensing.
Reporting from: The Guardian. Spotted an error? Tell us.
- Robotaxis
- Transport for London
- Sadiq Khan
- Autonomous Vehicles
- London Transport
- United Kingdom
- Politics