TfL grants private hire licences to Wayve robotaxis in London
Autonomous Ford Mustang Mach-Es could begin passenger journeys later this year, with a driver still required in the vehicle
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Residents in Barnet and across London could see autonomous taxis on the roads within months, after Transport for London granted private hire licences to a fleet of self-driving vehicles. The electric Ford Mustang Mach-Es, modified with cameras and radar by British firm Wayve, are the first autonomous vehicles licensed for commercial passenger use in the capital.
The licences require a qualified driver to remain in the vehicle and retain responsibility for its operation. This condition aligns with TfL’s policy that all private hire vehicles, drivers and operators must be licensed by the same authority. The arrangement is described by TfL as a "triple-lock" safety measure.
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Safety and regulatory hurdles remain
Before the vehicles can operate without a driver, they must secure separate approval from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. TfL said its decision to grant the licences followed confirmation from Uber that the vehicles met all safety and policy standards. A TfL spokesperson said the move supports its goal of eliminating deaths and serious injuries on London’s roads by 2041.
Uber, which will operate the vehicles, said it plans to offer rides to some of the 100,000 Londoners who signed up to experience the technology. The company described the licences as a "key milestone" but did not specify which neighbourhoods would see the first journeys. Wayve’s vice president for global affairs, Sarah Gates, called the licences an "important step" toward safer and cleaner streets.
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The responsible deployment of these vehicles will bring us safer, cleaner and quieter streets, and we're proud to continue working alongside regulators, communities and the public as we take the next steps towards making autonomous rides a reality in the capital.
Sarah Gates, Wayve vice president for global affairs and assurance
Union concerns over job losses
The Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association has not yet commented, but minicab unions have previously expressed concerns about the impact of autonomous vehicles on driver employment. TfL’s licensing decision does not remove the requirement for a human driver, though the long-term goal for Wayve and Uber is fully driverless operation.
Wayve was founded in 2017 by two University of Cambridge PhD students. The company is also working with car manufacturers Nissan and Stellantis to integrate its technology into private vehicles. London is the first city in the world to use Wayve’s system for commercial journeys.
What happens next
Uber said it expects to begin offering rides in the autonomous vehicles "later this summer", though it is unclear whether Barnet will be among the first areas served. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency must still approve the vehicles for fully driverless use. Residents who signed up for early access will be notified if they are selected for initial journeys.
Questions this report answers
+Will the robotaxis operate without a driver?
No. Transport for London requires a qualified driver to be present in the vehicle and responsible for its operation. Fully driverless operation would need separate approval from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.
+When will the autonomous taxis start carrying passengers?
Uber said some journeys could begin later this summer, though it is unclear which areas of London will be served first. The vehicles must still meet additional regulatory requirements.
+Who is behind the technology in the robotaxis?
The vehicles use technology developed by Wayve, a British firm founded in 2017 by two University of Cambridge PhD students. Wayve is also working with car manufacturers to deploy its systems in private vehicles.
+How have minicab unions responded to the licences?
The Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association has not yet commented. Minicab unions have previously raised concerns about potential job losses, though the current licences still require a human driver.
WE FILE
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The London Travel Desk assembled this report from the outlets listed below. Language-model drafting is reviewed under human editorial supervision, with scoring notes and corrections kept visible.
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