London’s first self-driving taxis for hire hit the streets

Wayve, a UK-based tech company, has introduced the first self-driving taxis for hire in London, adding them to the Uber app. However, only 15 licensed vehicles are currently available for hire, contrasting with the over 100,000 private hire vehicles in the city. The cars come equipped with a licensed human driver in the front seat, ready to take over if necessary.

Wayve's AI Driver technology, which uses an AI learning model rather than traditional mapping, was praised for its human-like decision-making during a test drive in Westminster. Uber secured regulatory approval for Wayve's modified Ford Mustang cars as private hire vehicles, but full autonomous operations require separate approval from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, which is seen as unlikely this year.

Despite the challenges, Wayve CEO Alex Kendall remains optimistic about the future of driverless taxis in London, stating that the technology is still maturing and fully driverless services will be available soon. Uber's head of autonomous mobility, Sarfraz Maredia, sees the London launch as a significant milestone in scaling safe and accessible autonomous vehicle technology in a city with complex roads.

However, some concerns have been raised by human drivers who fear potential job displacement. The transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, highlights the milestone as a testament to British innovation and the potential for increased choice for passengers.