Sadiq Khan Calls for Caps on London Robotaxis

London mayor sadiq khan has requested authority to cap the volume of robotaxis operating within the capital as the UK government prepares to permit fully driverless vehicles on public roads. Khan stated that political leadership has failed to match the rapid pace of technological innovation, arguing that current autonomous vehicle regulations are inadequate for managing a broad rollout.

His remarks follow recent developments involving Chinese driverless vehicles being tested in the London borough of Brent by Freenow by Lyft, a competitor to Uber. In September, Uber initiated limited passenger trials using self-driving cars from Wayve under Transport for London licensing, though these vehicles still require safety drivers. Freenow by Lyft intends to deploy fully driverless Baidu robotaxis next year through a national licensing scheme. Meanwhile, Waymo operates in several US cities, but companies are heavily targeting London, prompting calls from Khan for local restriction powers.

Sadiq khan seeks vehicle caps to protect jobs and ease urban congestion.

Khan emphasized the need for incremental progress rather than a sudden, unregulated introduction of automated transport. Transport for London currently holds limited authority, restricted only to approving or denying overall consent rather than actively managing or licensing specific robotaxi operations. Industry representatives, including Freenow by Lyft's UK and Ireland general manager Danny O’Gorman, noted that national frameworks remain vital for investment while acknowledging that post-launch regulations require further development. About two dozen Baidu Apollo Go vehicles are currently undergoing testing in London.

Drivers' unions have organized demonstrations outside the London headquarters of Wayve and Waymo amid anxieties among private hire and black-cab drivers regarding their employment security. Khan highlighted that London features a dense population of nearly 10 million residents, numerous narrow streets, and unique urban layouts compared to cities like San Francisco, necessitating careful regulatory oversight.

Why it matters

The prospective introduction of autonomous vehicles in London carries significant implications for local transport workers, including black-cab drivers and private hire operators whose livelihoods may be affected by automation. As municipal authorities lobby for expanded regulatory powers, the outcome could reshape urban transit policies and set a precedent for how major metropolitan areas balance technological innovation with traffic management and employment stability.