Uber is set to operate several self-driving vehicles that have been approved for private hire (PHV) licences by Transport for London on Wednesday. According to Uber, the autonomous, pure-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles from Wayve will be offered later this summer to around 100,000 people who expressed interest in testing the advanced taxis.
Safety driver required
While the cars are self-driving, there will be a driver behind the wheel to take control during the journeys. If the robotaxis are proven to be safe, then Uber and Wayve will be required to obtain separate approval from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency should they want to operate the cars without a driver.
London first for Wayve
London will be the first city in the world to use Wayve's technology for commercial journeys, with a TfL spokesperson emphasising that safety is the "top priority". They said any new vehicle licensed to carry passengers in the city must align with TfL's target of eliminating all deaths and serious injuries on London's roads by 2041.
Wayve's modifications to the vehicles, including the six cameras, were assessed by experts. They found that the changes "do not compromise passenger safety". A qualified driver must be present and remain responsible for the car under the terms of a PHV licence.
Reactions
Wayve vice president for global affairs and assurance, Sarah Gates, called the granting of the licences "an important step towards giving Londoners the chance to experience autonomous driving technology", Sky News reports. She said: "The responsible deployment of these vehicles will bring us safer, cleaner and quieter streets, and we're proud to continue working alongside regulators, communities, and the public as we take the next steps towards making autonomous rides a reality in the capital."
Uber global head of autonomous mobility operations Annie Duvnjak says the move is a "key milestone in bringing autonomous rides to London on Uber". She said: "Our interest list has seen an incredible response from Londoners who are excited to experience Wayve's British-built autonomous driving technology."
Matthew Wright, regional organiser for the GMB Union, which represents thousands of private hire drivers in London, described TfL's decision as "a worrying development". He said: "We can't go charging ahead with new technologies without considering the implications of autonomous vehicles on all parties."
