Driverless taxis and bus-style services could begin carrying passengers in Britain later this year under a new government pilot scheme.
Applications have opened today for operators to run self-driving cars on roads across Great Britain, marking a major step towards commercial autonomous passenger services.
The scheme could allow firms including Wayve and Uber to test bookable self-driving journeys, with ministers saying the technology could support thousands of jobs and unlock billions for the economy by 2035.
The government says the services could also improve transport access for older and disabled people by offering more flexible and independent travel options.
Safety will be the central test. The pilots will gather real-world evidence on how self-driving vehicles perform on everyday roads, including busy urban streets, traffic interactions and passenger journeys.
Operators will need government approval before launching services, with vehicles subject to strict safety checks and cyber security assessments.
Local transport authorities, including Transport for London, will also need to give consent before schemes can operate in their areas.
Roads and Buses Minister Simon Lightwood said: “Self-driving vehicles represent a transformative opportunity for Britain, opening up independent travel for disabled people and older adults, while driving growth and creating high-skilled jobs across the UK.
“This pilot scheme brings that future closer, giving passengers the opportunity to experience self-driving travel first-hand while ensuring safety always comes first.”
The move follows a call for evidence on autonomous vehicle regulations, which closed in March, with ministers now using the pilots to help shape the final rules for wider deployment.
The government said human error currently contributes to 88% of collisions on UK roads, arguing self-driving technology could eventually improve road safety if deployed properly.
London could be one of the first places where passengers experience the technology.
Sarfraz Maredia, Global Head of Autonomous Mobility and Delivery at Uber, said: “London has long been a pioneering city for Uber, where we’ve launched some of our biggest innovations and we can’t wait to give people in the capital the chance to experience autonomous rides this year.”
Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said the announcement marks “a significant milestone” in the rollout of automated vehicles.
He said automated passenger services could be worth £3.7bn a year in Britain by 2040 while widening access to mobility and improving road safety.
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