London robotaxi cap: Mayor Sadiq Khan has urged the government to introduce limits on driverless vehicles in the capital before any mass rollout. According to The Guardian, Khan said politicians have not fully grasped the pace of change in transport technology and warned that London is not San Francisco, with its narrow roads and almost 10 million residents. He called for incremental movement rather than a large-scale launch without proper rules.
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Mayor demands London robotaxi cap and stronger TfL powers
Khan is lobbying ministers to give Transport for London (TfL) more authority over automated vehicles, including the power to cap their numbers. Under current regulations, TfL can only consent to or refuse the use of fully autonomous vehicles in London; it cannot manage or license robotaxi services. The mayor said the city needs to avoid a situation where vehicles flood the streets before regulation is fit for purpose.
Trials and planned launches in London
Autonomous vehicle trials are already under way. In September, Uber began offering limited passenger rides in Wayve self-driving cars with a safety driver on board, under a TfL licence. Freenow by Lyft is testing about 24 Baidu Apollo Go robotaxis in the London borough of Brent and hopes to launch a fully driverless service as early as next year under a national licensing scheme. The Chinese-made vehicles already operate autonomously in cities in China and the UAE.
Concerns over jobs, congestion and road behaviour
Drivers’ unions have protested outside the London headquarters of Wayve and Waymo, fearing for the future of private hire and black-cab drivers. Khan raised unanswered questions about the impact on air quality, congestion and livelihoods. Freenow’s UK and Ireland general manager said roadworks remain difficult for autonomous systems, noting that many London drivers ignore traffic rules, so vehicles that follow speed limits often get beeped at.
Possible roles for displaced drivers
Freenow by Lyft has promised a purpose-built autonomous vehicle depot in the UK. The company said a large proportion of displaced taxi drivers could be employed in remote operating and vehicle servicing jobs. However, it added that details of regulation after launch still need to be finalised with TfL.
Why the debate matters for London
The London robotaxi cap debate is unfolding as the city grapples with narrow roads, dense neighbourhoods and continuing concerns about air quality. The private hire and black-taxi trades employ many workers whose livelihoods could be affected. A national licensing scheme could standardise rules across the UK, but Khan argues that London’s unique geography and density require local control.
What to watch next
Ministers are expected to finalise the national framework for driverless cars, which could determine how quickly Freenow by Lyft and other firms expand beyond trials. Observers will watch whether TfL receives new licensing powers and whether protests by drivers’ unions grow as more autonomous vehicles enter service. The performance of robotaxis around roadworks and in heavy traffic will also shape public and political confidence.
- Sadiq Khan calls for a cap on robotaxis in London
- About 24 Baidu Apollo Go vehicles are being tested in Brent
- Uber and Wayve began limited rides with safety drivers in September
- Freenow by Lyft aims for fully driverless launches next year
- TfL currently lacks powers to license or cap robotaxi services
FAQ
What is the London robotaxi cap proposal?
The mayor wants the government to allow TfL to limit the number of robotaxis operating in the capital before a mass rollout of fully driverless vehicles.
Which companies are testing robotaxis in London?
Wayve, Uber, Freenow by Lyft and Baidu are involved in trials or planned services, with about 24 autonomous vehicles operating in Brent.
Can Transport for London limit robotaxi numbers now?
No. Under current rules, TfL can only consent to or refuse autonomous vehicle use in London, but it cannot manage or license robotaxi services.
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Source: The Guardian
Image: Representative image (AI-generated)
