Uber plans to launch self-driving taxis in London starting in spring 2026, in partnership with UK-based AI company Wayve. The trial will initially include a human safety driver who can take control in emergencies, but it will transition to fully autonomous vehicles over time. This move is enabled by the UK government’s decision to accelerate trials of driverless commercial taxis, originally set for mid-2027 under the Automated Vehicles Act.
London’s complex road network poses a significant challenge compared to U.S. cities where Uber has tested similar services. The initiative aims to enhance road safety, reduce human error (which accounts for 88% of collisions), and could create 38,000 jobs while adding £42 billion to the UK economy by 2035, according to government estimates. However, concerns remain about public trust, with 37% of Brits feeling unsafe about driverless cars in a 2024 poll, as well as unresolved issues around insurance and liability in accidents.