Driverless Cars Edge Closer in UK in 2027, But Uber Says It's Already Set to Roll

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Driverless Cars Edge Closer in UK, But Uber Says It's Already Set to Roll

 

Despite the UK government pushing back the expected rollout of fully autonomous vehicles to late 2027, Uber says it’s already prepared to launch driverless taxi services. While limited self-driving capabilities are currently allowed under UK law—with a human driver still legally responsible—companies like Uber argue that they are ready to take the leap as soon as regulations catch up.

 

 

Uber's senior vice president of mobility, Andrew Macdonald, joined a test ride in an autonomous car in central London using technology developed by UK-based AI company Wayve. During the ride, Macdonald made it clear: “We're ready to launch robotaxis in the UK as soon as the regulatory environment is ready for us.”

 

The car, a Ford Mach-E fitted with Wayve's self-driving system, navigated the busy streets of London with apparent ease. It used radar, seven cameras, and an AI computer housed in the boot to interpret and respond to road conditions in real time. Macdonald, alongside a BBC journalist on the ride, watched the vehicle smoothly handle heavy traffic, pedestrians, delivery bikes, and even temporary traffic lights without any intervention from the safety driver, who never touched the controls.

 

While Uber already operates robotaxis in places like the US, China, the UAE, and Singapore, the UK has been more cautious. The Department for Transport now says that self-driving vehicle legislation will likely be ready in the second half of 2027. However, they’re also exploring pilot programs and short-term trials to prepare the ground.

 

Macdonald refuted the idea that the UK is lagging behind, explaining that the US and China are ahead largely because the technology was first developed there. He also highlighted how robotaxis are already proving their value in American cities, operating up to 20 hours a day and offering the same fare rates as traditional Uber rides. Passengers can choose a robotaxi option in the app if one is available.

 

Still, widespread adoption may face hurdles—not least public unease. A 2024 YouGov poll found that 37% of Britons would feel "very unsafe" riding in a driverless car. Macdonald believes this fear quickly fades. “It becomes the new normal,” he said, noting how users typically adapt after their first experience.

 

Safety remains a key concern, however. Although studies in the US suggest autonomous vehicles are generally less accident-prone than human drivers, high-profile mishaps have drawn attention. In Arizona, one man reported being trapped inside a robotaxi as it drove in circles at an airport carpark. In San Francisco, General Motors paused its Cruise driverless taxi service due to safety concerns.

 

“The reality is that one accident is too many,” Macdonald acknowledged. “That said, with EV [electric vehicles], human drivers… we operate in the real world and stuff happens.”

 

In the UK, questions still linger around liability, insurance, and data transparency in the event of an accident. Tom Leggett of Thatcham Research emphasized the importance of a “safety-led” approach and ensuring relevant data is accessible to insurers and investigators.

 

Beyond safety and logistics, there's also concern about the broader societal impact. Andy Prendergast, national secretary for the GMB union, warned of the “significant social implications” of driverless taxis, especially the risk of job losses for professional drivers.

 

Yet Uber’s Macdonald remains optimistic, pointing to a generational shift already underway. “I’ve got young kids,” he said. “Do I think my daughters will necessarily get their drivers licences when they turn 16? No – I think the world is changing a lot.”

 

The UK government believes that if implemented responsibly, self-driving technology could generate up to £42 billion and create 38,000 jobs by 2035. Whether the public is ready—or the legal groundwork laid—remains to be seen.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC  2025-05-22