Sadiq Khan seeks power to limit driverless taxis in London
London mayor Sadiq Khan has called for the city to be able to cap the number of robotaxis, as the government prepares to allow fully driverless vehicles in the capital. He says a rapid rollout without stronger regulation could worsen congestion and air quality, and threaten the livelihoods of private hire and black-cab drivers.
Around 24 autonomous Baidu Apollo Go cars are being tested in Brent, while Freenow by Lyft hopes to launch fully driverless services as early as next year. Uber has begun limited trials of Wayve’s self-driving cars with safety drivers, and Waymo is also looking at London. Transport for London can currently approve or refuse autonomous vehicles but cannot license or manage robotaxi services; Freenow says the details of regulation still need to be settled.
In short
- Khan wants London to have powers to cap robotaxis.
- About 24 Baidu autonomous cars are being tested in Brent.
- TfL cannot currently license or manage robotaxi services.
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The case for
Giving London power to cap robotaxis would let the city manage their introduction in line with local transport needs. Khan’s case is that a rapid expansion could add to congestion and pollution, while stronger oversight could protect the livelihoods of taxi and private hire drivers during a major shift in the industry.
The case against
A cap could restrict a new transport service before its effects are clear, limiting passenger choice and the potential benefits of driverless technology. Supporters of a more permissive approach could argue that safety rules and service standards are better tools than numerical limits, and that trials and gradual growth would allow regulators to respond to evidence.
Explained simply
London’s transport network includes black cabs, private hire cars and buses, alongside the Underground and other public transport. Robotaxis are cars that use automated driving systems to carry passengers, and several companies are testing or exploring them in London.
Sadiq Khan is London’s mayor, while Transport for London oversees much of the city’s transport. The government sets national rules for vehicles, and TfL can approve or refuse autonomous vehicles but does not currently control the number of robotaxi services.
The debate matters because more robotaxis could affect traffic, air quality and the work of existing drivers. Deciding who can set limits, and how services are regulated, will shape how driverless taxis fit into London’s transport system.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “Sadiq Khan calls for cap on numbers of robotaxis on London streets”.