Driverless taxis could begin operating in the UK as soon as September, according to Waymo, the US self-driving car firm owned by Alphabet.
Waymo said it plans to launch a pilot robotaxi service in London in April, with the ambition of carrying paying passengers later in the year once regulations allow. The UK government has said it intends to introduce new rules in the second half of 2026 to permit fully autonomous taxi services, though it has yet to confirm a specific start date.
Local transport minister Lilian Greenwood said the government was actively supporting trials.
“We’re supporting Waymo and other operators through our passenger pilots, and pro-innovation regulations to make self-driving cars a reality on British roads,” she said.
Waymo showcased a fleet of its autonomous vehicles at London’s Transport Museum this week. The cars are currently being driven by safety drivers while mapping London’s streets, but when the service opens to the public there will be no human behind the wheel.
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