Self-driving taxis could be available to Londoners later this summer after Uber and Wayve were awarded minicab licences by Transport for London (TfL).
Wayve said its fleet of autonomous, fully electric Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles has been granted private hire vehicle licences, clearing a major regulatory hurdle.
Soft launch first
Uber said some of the 100,000 people who signed up to express interest will be offered rides 'later this summer,' before a full public launch. The robotaxis will have a human safety driver behind the wheel for now.
To operate without safety drivers, Wayve and Uber will need separate permission from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
Safety and reactions
TfL said safety is its 'top priority' and any new vehicle must align with its target of eliminating all deaths and serious injuries on London's roads by 2041.
Wayve's vice president for global affairs and assurance, Sarah Gates, said: 'This licence is an important step towards giving Londoners the chance to experience autonomous driving technology.'
Uber's global head of autonomous mobility operations, Annie Duvnjak, added: 'This licence is a key milestone in bringing autonomous rides to London on Uber.'
However, unions have opposed the rollout. Matthew Wright from the GMB Union called it a 'worrying development,' saying: 'We can't go charging ahead with new technologies without considering the implications of autonomous vehicles on all parties.'
The App Drivers and Couriers Union (ACDU) held a protest outside Waymo's Park Royal site, warning that the rollout could worsen falling earnings and insecure work for drivers.
