Overview

• Uber will launch a robotaxi trial in London next spring in partnership with AI firm Wayve and plans to integrate the vehicles into its UK app once legislation permits.
• Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander announced that the government is accelerating the regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles to enable early commercial trials.
• The official rollout of driverless cars has been delayed from 2026 to the second half of 2027 to ensure thorough safety and legal preparations.
• The Department for Transport projects that autonomous vehicles could create 38,000 jobs and add £42 billion to the UK economy by 2035.
• Public surveys reveal widespread British skepticism over self-driving cars, with concerns focused on safety, liability and potential job losses for professional drivers.