Technology editor Zoe Kleinman reported that Uber is eager to introduce driverless taxis in the UK. The previous administration had anticipated that fully autonomous vehicles would be on the roads by 2026, but the new government now projects this milestone to occur in the second half of 2027. Despite the fact that limited self-driving technology is permissible on UK roads, human drivers must still be present and accountable for the vehicle’s operation when automated technology is utilized.
Uber is collaborating with numerous automated car technology companies, like Wayve, and is prepared to roll out robotaxis in the UK once the regulatory environment is conducive to such operations. The company already offers robotaxis in the United States, China, the UAE, and Singapore. Despite the contention that the UK lags behind in this technology, the Department for Transport aims to implement self-driving vehicle legislation by the latter part of 2027.
In the US, robotaxis typically operate for 20 hours a day, seven days a week, without the need for a driver. While some public apprehension exists about traveling in self-driving vehicles, Uber asserts that customer reluctance lessens over time, leading to a normalized experience. During a recent ride across central London conducted by Kleinman, the automated technology in the Ford Mach-e vehicle utilizing Wayve’s autonomous driving system successfully navigated various scenarios without human intervention. Although the safety of autonomous vehicles compared to human-driven cars is still a subject of investigation, studies suggest self-driving cars may be less accident-prone.
The prospect of self-driving vehicles raises practical questions about insurance, ownership, and liability in case of accidents in the UK. Concerns about the impact on jobs and public safety are also at the forefront, as the government envisions the potential creation of a £42bn industry and 38,000 jobs by 2035. Uber’s Macdonald envisions a future where automated vehicles transform the way people travel, suggesting that future generations may not feel compelled to obtain driver’s licenses
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