Sadiq Khan calls for cap on London robotaxis ahead of driverless trials

Mayor Sadiq Khan has called for a strict cap on the number of robotaxis operating on London streets as the government prepares to permit fully driverless vehicles across the capital. Khan said that politicians had failed to grasp the rapid pace of technological innovation emerging from the transport sector.

Autonomous vehicle trials are already expanding across London boroughs. Freenow by Lyft recently unveiled Chinese autonomous vehicles being tested in the city, while Uber started offering limited passenger services in September using self-driving cars from Wayve. Those initial rides operate with a safety driver seated in the front under a licence granted by Transport for London.

Private transport firms are aiming to launch fully driverless commercial fleets as early as next year under national licensing frameworks. Consumer demand among local passengers is already exceptionally high, with more than 100,000 people currently listed on official waiting lists for autonomous rides across the city.

City hall officials warned that an unmanaged rollout could increase traffic congestion, worsen air quality, and threaten the employment of traditional black cab drivers and private hire workers. London currently lacks the specific legal power to cap the number of private hire vehicles or robotaxis operating within its municipal boundaries. Current transport rules mean regulators can only grant or withhold consent for fully autonomous vehicles without having the authority to manage fleet sizes.

Khan said the city needs robust regulations in place before any mass deployment occurs to avoid a chaotic introduction of the technology. City leaders are actively lobbying central government to grant Transport for London direct powers to license, monitor, and restrict autonomous vehicles. Officials said further policy discussions between municipal leaders and government ministers will continue later this week.