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Transport for London needs more powers on driverless taxis, report warns
Overview
A London Assembly transport committee report warns that driverless taxis could worsen congestion, threaten jobs, and cause safety concerns. The report calls for Transport for London (TfL) to be granted greater regulatory powers, including the ability to issue permits, cap vehicle numbers, and monitor empty miles when regulations take effect in 2027.
Key points
- A YouGov survey found that 42% of Londoners opposed driverless vehicles, while 29% supported them.
- The London Assembly transport committee report calls for TfL to be able to issue and withdraw permits, impose conditions, and cap vehicle numbers.
- Concerns were raised that driverless taxis could increase congestion through empty miles and cause long-term job losses for taxi and private hire drivers.
- The committee recommended that TfL work with drivers, unions, and operators on a transition plan covering retraining and redeployment.
- The Department for Transport stated that safety is its priority and that self-driving vehicles will be introduced carefully with rigorous testing.