Driverless Taxis Could Harm London, Assembly Warns
A new report urges greater powers for TfL to regulate autonomous vehicles and protect jobs.
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The central claim is attributed to a named body (London Assembly transport committee report) and a named person (Caroline Russell).
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Driverless taxis could exacerbate traffic congestion and jeopardise the livelihoods of professional drivers, a report from the London Assembly transport committee has warned. The committee has called for Transport for London (TfL) to be granted enhanced authority to oversee the developing autonomous vehicle sector.
The report, published on 23 May 2024, states that insufficient evidence has been presented to justify the widespread adoption of driverless cars in the capital. A YouGov survey commissioned by the committee indicated that 42% of 1,053 London residents surveyed opposed driverless vehicles, with 29% in favour and an equal percentage expressing potential willingness to use them.
London not ready for driverless taxis, Assembly report warns
A London Assembly report urges transport officials to hold off on introducing driverless taxis until stronger safety measures are in place.
Calls for Greater TfL Control
Caroline Russell, chair of the transport committee, stated in the report that London's streets are uniquely old, complex, and busy. She emphasised the necessity of scrutinising the potential impact on Londoners before introducing a new class of vehicles. The report advocates for TfL to have the ability to issue and revoke permits, impose operational conditions, and cap vehicle numbers once full regulations are enacted in 2027.
Concerns were also raised about the potential for driverless taxis to increase congestion by travelling significant distances without passengers. The committee wants TfL to track and report on these "empty miles." Additionally, the report highlighted worries about vehicles exhibiting unpredictable behaviour, such as hesitating or making sudden manoeuvres. Operators will be required to demonstrate how their services will enhance road safety and report any accidents or near misses within 24 hours.
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Emergency Response and Job Security
The committee questioned how driverless vehicles would manage emergency situations, including assaults or medical incidents. While companies like Waymo suggested 24-hour remote assistance and Wayve proposed an in-car button to connect with trained staff, the committee expressed doubt about the adequacy of remote support for complex emergencies.
A significant warning in the report concerns the potential for long-term job displacement among taxi and private hire drivers. The committee has urged TfL to collaborate with drivers, unions, and operators to develop a comprehensive transition plan. This plan should address retraining, redeployment opportunities, and financial support for affected workers.
Further recommendations include ensuring proposed driverless services align with the Mayor's transport strategy and do not compromise its objectives. TfL is also advised to work with the Metropolitan Police, London Ambulance Service, and London Fire Brigade to establish a standard framework for how driverless vehicles interact with emergency services. The report also suggests TfL research how autonomous vehicle technology could contribute to broader transport goals beyond just commercial taxi operations.
The App Drivers & Couriers Union (ADCU) has welcomed the report's focus on job protection and enhanced regulation. Gholomreza Kamyabi, an Uber driver and member of the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain's private hire driver union, voiced the anxieties of drivers regarding their ability to support their families if their jobs are lost, stating, "Every car currently feeds a family."
The committee also recommended that TfL involve disabled individuals in the development of guidance for driverless services, ensuring that these services are designed with their needs in mind.
What Happens Next
The report calls for TfL to be granted greater powers to regulate driverless taxis, including issuing permits and capping vehicle numbers. It also recommends the development of a transition plan for drivers facing job losses. The Department for Transport stated that safety is its priority and that self-driving vehicles will be introduced cautiously, subject to rigorous testing and approval.
Questions this report answers
+What are the main concerns about driverless taxis in London?
The London Assembly transport committee has warned that driverless taxis could worsen traffic congestion and lead to significant job losses for taxi and private hire drivers. They also raised concerns about how these vehicles would respond to emergencies and interact with emergency services.
+What powers does the report want Transport for London to have?
The report recommends that Transport for London (TfL) should be given greater powers to regulate driverless taxis. This includes the ability to issue and withdraw permits, impose conditions on operators, and cap the total number of vehicles allowed on London's roads.
+How do Londoners feel about driverless vehicles?
A survey commissioned by the committee found that 42% of Londoners are opposed to driverless vehicles. Only 29% of those surveyed supported their introduction, while another 29% indicated they would be likely to use such a service.
+What is being proposed to help drivers who might lose their jobs?
The report calls for TfL to work with drivers, unions, and operators to create a transition plan. This plan is intended to provide support for taxi and private hire drivers facing long-term job losses, covering areas such as retraining and redeployment.
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