Uber's UK driverless taxi trial has Brits all saying the same thing
Futuristic robotaxis could soon be driving on UK roads, as Uber confirms its latest trial. However, the news has sparked debate online - with many brits sharing the same concern
Uber has revealed futuristic plans to bring driverless taxis to the UK, but Brits have pointed out one big problem.
Fully autonomous robotaxis — self-driving cars with no human safety net — could be deployed on London 's roads in the spring of 2026, the taxi firm has announced. The ambitious project is being conducted in partnership with Wayve, a UK-based artificial intelligence company that has been developing and testing driverless vehicle technology on the capital's streets under human supervision — as current regulations require.
CEO and co-founder of Wayve, Alex Kendall, said: "The UK has been Wayve's home since 2017 — building this technology here has been an incredible journey, from testing our first prototype in Cambridge to deploying the world 's first end-to-end AI driver on public roads, starting in London and expanding nationwide.
"Accelerating commercial self-driving pilots to 2026 positions the UK as a leading destination for the deployment of L4 self-driving technology. These early pilots will help build public trust and unlock new jobs, services, and markets. For Wayve, this means we can prioritise the UK for early deployment and help deliver safer, cleaner mobility to the UK. We're excited to bring the benefits of L4 autonomous mobility to cities around the UK."
Changes in policy regarding driverless vehicles were revealed in the build-up to Uber's announcement — the government initially aimed to introduce autonomous cars onto British roads by 2026. However, this timeline was later pushed back to the latter half of 2027.
Despite this, the government put forward an accelerated regulatory framework to allow smaller-scale autonomous commercial services, such as buses and taxis, to operate sooner, with the aim of fostering innovation and positioning Britain as a global leader in autonomous transport technology. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander emphasised the significance of this development, stating: "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."
While Uber is yet to confirm whether the robotaxis in the London trial will be available for public use, the company has stated it intends to integrate these vehicles into its UK app as a regular option as soon as legislation permits. The details of the trial, including the number of vehicles and operational specifics, are still being finalised. Uber and Wayve are working closely with regulators to ensure the vehicles meet safety and operational standards before they hit the streets without a human driver.
Uber's London trial follows similar initiatives worldwide — Uber launched a robotaxi service in Austin, Texas in March 2025, and claiming its driverless vehicles there could work 20 hours a day, seven days a week — customers have the choice between a regular taxi or robotaxi, if there's one available, with no difference in fare. According to the Department for Transport, the industry could create approximately 38,000 jobs and contribute £42 billion to the UK economy by 2035.
However, the introduction of driverless taxis raises social concerns, particularly regarding employment. GMB national secretary Andy Prendergast, emphasised the need to consider the 'significant social implications' of autonomous vehicles, including potential job losses for professional drivers. While members of the Great British public all seem to be saying the same thing about robotaxis on social media.
One person wrote: "Not only would I not get in one, I wouldn't want to drive on the same road as one." A second posted: "No. No bloody way. For starters. How will they avoid the potholes? I'm sure London must have some even if it far less than the rest of us."
Another agreed: "I wouldn't trust them but also wouldn't use them because it's taking people's jobs away!" While a fourth chimed in: "It's hard enough to trust an ordinary taxi." Although clearly in the minority, at least online, not everyone is so lacking in trust.
One commenter said: "Yes, I can't wait to get a driverless car when you don't need a driving licence." While someone else added: "Arrogant human drivers are the biggest danger." Uber's upcoming robotaxi trial in London represents a major step toward integrating autonomous vehicles into everyday urban transport, with the potential to reshape the future of mobility in the UK and beyond — but it remains to see whether Brits will trust the tech enough to use it.
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