The UK government has accelerated trials of fully autonomous vehicles, allowing Uber to launch self-driving taxi pilots in London by spring 2026, in partnership with UK tech firm Wayve. These trials will be the first in Europe to operate without a human safety driver on board. The move aims to make roads safer, create 38,000 jobs, and build a £42bn industry by 2035, despite past setbacks and safety incidents in other regions.
Uber UK trial of self-driving taxis brought forward to spring 2026
Self-driving carsBusinessUKAutomotive industryLondon
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️The UK government has accelerated trials of fully autonomous vehicles, allowing Uber to launch self-driving taxi pilots in London by spring 2026, in partnership with UK tech firm Wayve. These trials will be the first in Europe to operate without a human safety driver on board. The move aims to make roads safer, create 38,000 jobs, and build a £42bn industry by 2035, despite past setbacks and safety incidents in other regions.
Trending- 1 More than a decade ago: Trials of self-driving vehicles taking place in UK.
- 2 2023: Driverless bus service launched in Edinburgh (stopped operating).
- 3 March this year: Uber rolled out first driverless taxis with Waymo in Austin, Texas.
- 4 This month: Tesla planning to launch rival autonomous service in Austin.
- 5 Tuesday: UK government announced self-driving taxi trials brought forward.
- 6 Spring 2026: Uber UK trial of self-driving taxis expected to begin in London.
- 7 Late 2027: Automated Vehicles Act fully takes effect.
- 8 2035: Industry expected to be worth £42bn.
- UK positioned as a leader in autonomous vehicle technology
- Potential for job creation and economic growth
- New public transport options
- Continued debate over safety and public trust
- Potential for incidents similar to those seen in the US
What: The UK government has brought forward trials of fully autonomous vehicles, allowing Uber to launch self-driving taxi pilots in London by spring 2026, in partnership with Wayve. These trials will be the first in Europe without a human safety driver.
When: Tuesday (government announcement), spring 2026 (trials brought forward to), late 2027 (Automated Vehicles Act fully takes effect), 2035 (industry worth £42bn), March this year (Uber rolled out first driverless taxis in Austin), this month (Tesla planning autonomous service in Austin), 2023 (driverless bus service launched in Edinburgh).
Where: UK (London), San Francisco (US), China (numerous cities), Austin, Texas (US), Edinburgh (UK).
Why: The UK aims to be a world leader in new technology, make roads safer, create jobs (38,000), and build a significant industry (£42bn by 2035). Self-driving vehicles could also improve transport options and accessibility.
How: The government announced the acceleration of trials. Uber will partner with Wayve for London trials. The Automated Vehicles Act will require self-driving cars to demonstrate safety levels at least as high as competent human drivers.