TfL Control Urged for London Driverless Taxi Trials

Ministers are facing pressure to transfer complete oversight of driverless taxi trials to Transport for London (TfL). This comes as multiple companies, including Uber, Wayve, and Waymo, are pursuing authorisation to transport passengers using automated vehicles in the capital. The Department for Transport (DfT) has indicated plans to expedite the testing of such services, with small-scale trials without safety drivers scheduled for 2026, potentially leading to wider rollouts in 2027.

Devolved Powers and Regulatory Concerns

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Caroline Russell, chair of the London Assembly’s transport committee, has expressed concern that the government may be overstepping London's devolved transport authority. Ms Russell stated that the DfT is currently controlling the regulation and permission for these trials without TfL's involvement. She believes TfL should hold a licensing role and have a say in operational rules, data handling, and vehicle specifications to ensure services align with London's transport network and priorities. The Automated Vehicles Act 2024, enacted last year, establishes that legal responsibility for any accidents involving autonomous vehicles rests with the approved operators, a framework that will be fully implemented next year.

TfL Commissioner Andy Lord has also voiced apprehension regarding potential conflicts with London's devolution powers. He noted that while the DfT is currently authorising how autonomous vehicles operate on roads, TfL has the authority to prevent firms from obtaining licenses for commercial taxi services within London. However, companies might still seek approval for other applications, such as delivery services, without TfL's explicit consent. A DfT spokesperson confirmed that permits for automated passenger services in London require TfL's agreement, a stipulation included in the Automated Vehicles Act 2024.

“The regulation of all of this is being controlled by the government when TfL should have a licensing role in this.”

Caroline Russell, Chair of the London Assembly’s transport committee

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Industry Interest and Future Outlook

Several firms are actively seeking approval to operate automated passenger transport services. Uber has already invited user interest, and Waymo is currently testing a fleet of 100 vehicles in London. The DfT has opened applications for operators to run self-driving taxis commercially across Britain from May 2026, with ministers highlighting the potential economic benefits and job creation. However, concerns have been raised within London about the potential impact on existing taxi and private hire drivers.

TfL has indicated that it is in discussions with potential operators and plans to issue guidance shortly. A TfL spokesperson stated the body is "actively engaging with government to help shape any future services" and that "safety is our top priority and any new passenger carrying service would need the appropriate regulatory approvals."