London could soon become one of the first UK cities to introduce commercial driverless taxi services. Before that happens, plans for a London driverless taxi have become the focus of a growing debate, with members of the London Assembly urging the UK Government to give Transport for London (TfL) greater authority over how autonomous vehicle trials are managed.
The discussion comes as the UK prepares for wider self-driving vehicle deployment under the Automated Vehicles Act 2024. While the Government is encouraging innovation, London officials argue that local oversight is essential to ensure safety, effective regulation, and smooth integration with the capital’s transport network.
Key Takeaways
- The London Assembly wants TfL to have greater control over London driverless taxi trials.
- The Department for Transport (DfT) currently authorises autonomous vehicle trials.
- Commercial passenger services in London still require TfL’s approval.
- The Automated Vehicles Act 2024 establishes the legal framework for self-driving vehicles.
- Safety, congestion, licensing, and data governance remain major concerns.
- Several autonomous vehicle companies are preparing for UK commercial operations.
Why Does TfL Want More Control?
Caroline Russell AM, Chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee, believes TfL should play a much larger role in regulating autonomous taxi services.
Although the DfT currently oversees road trials, Russell argues that TfL should be more involved because it already manages London’s transport network. Decisions involving licensing, operational rules, data access, and how autonomous vehicles integrate with existing transport services should involve local authorities from the beginning rather than relying solely on central government.
Her comments also reflect wider concerns about protecting London’s devolved transport powers as autonomous mobility moves closer to commercial deployment.
Who Regulates Driverless Taxi Services?
Responsibility for autonomous vehicle regulation is currently shared between national and local authorities.
As London driverless taxi services move closer to commercial deployment, the balance of responsibilities between the DfT and TfL has become an important policy discussion.
The DfT authorises autonomous vehicle trials on public roads, while any commercial passenger service operating within London must receive approval through TfL’s Automated Passenger Services (APS) permitting process.
Supporters of greater devolution believe TfL should oversee both testing and commercial operations to maintain consistent regulation across London’s transport network.
Current Responsibilities
| Responsibility | Department for Transport | Transport for London |
| Autonomous vehicle road trials | ✓ | |
| Automated Passenger Service permits | Shared with TfL consent | ✓ |
| Taxi and private hire licensing | ✓ | |
| Local transport planning | ✓ | |
| Road network management | ✓ | |
| Commercial passenger oversight | Shared | ✓ |
Andy Lord Highlights Devolution Concerns
TfL Commissioner Andy Lord has warned that future autonomous vehicle regulations could unintentionally weaken London’s transport powers.
Speaking before the London Assembly Transport Committee, Lord explained that current testing programmes focus mainly on road safety rather than commercial passenger services.
He emphasised that TfL wants to work closely with the DfT to ensure future commercial services are introduced without reducing London’s existing transport responsibilities. His comments highlight the importance of maintaining clear responsibilities between national and local authorities.
Automated Vehicles Act 2024
The Automated Vehicles Act 2024 provides the legal foundation for future autonomous transport across Britain, including London driverless taxi services.
A major change introduced by the legislation is that legal responsibility for collisions involving authorised autonomous vehicles rests with the approved operator instead of the person inside the vehicle while autonomous mode is active.
In May 2026, the DfT opened applications for companies wishing to operate self-driving passenger services commercially across Britain. While ministers see autonomous transport as an opportunity to improve mobility and support economic growth, local consent from TfL remains mandatory before Automated Passenger Services can operate within London.
Safety Remains the Priority
As London driverless taxi services move closer to commercial deployment, TfL has confirmed it is already engaging with companies interested in launching autonomous passenger services.
The authority says passenger safety will remain its highest priority. Operators must obtain the necessary approvals and demonstrate that any vehicle modifications do not introduce additional risks for passengers or other road users.
TfL also wants future autonomous services to support the Mayor’s Transport Strategy by reducing congestion, improving transport efficiency, and contributing to the Vision Zero programme, which aims to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on London’s roads by 2041.
Possible Regulatory Gaps
Assembly Members have also identified a potential regulatory loophole.
Companies could seek approval for autonomous delivery vehicles instead of passenger services. Since TfL’s licensing powers primarily cover taxis and private hire vehicles, autonomous vehicles operating without passengers could potentially fall under different regulatory frameworks.
Officials believe this issue should be addressed early to avoid regulatory inconsistencies as autonomous transport expands into multiple sectors.
What Does This Mean for London?
The debate surrounding London driverless taxi services reflects a wider challenge facing governments as autonomous vehicles transition from testing to commercial use.
Self-driving technology has the potential to improve transport efficiency, reduce collisions caused by human error, and create new economic opportunities. However, its long-term success depends on effective regulation, public confidence, and cooperation between national and local authorities.
As commercial robotaxi services move closer to reality, collaboration between the DfT and TfL will play a vital role in ensuring new technology is introduced safely while respecting London’s devolved transport responsibilities.
Final Thoughts
As London driverless taxi services continue to move towards commercial deployment, the outcome of the debate between the DfT and TfL could influence how autonomous passenger transport develops in the capital.
Finding the right balance between innovation, safety, and local governance will be essential for building public trust and ensuring driverless transport supports London’s long-term transport strategy. With autonomous mobility advancing rapidly, cooperation between national and local authorities will be critical to delivering safe and well-regulated passenger services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who oversees London driverless taxi trials?
The Department for Transport authorises autonomous vehicle trials, while commercial passenger services in London require TfL approval under the Automated Vehicles Act 2024.
Why does TfL want greater control?
TfL believes it should oversee licensing, safety, congestion management, and data governance because it already manages London’s wider transport network.
Can companies launch robotaxis in London without TfL approval?
No. Commercial Automated Passenger Services require TfL’s consent before they can begin operating in London.
What is the Automated Vehicles Act 2024?
The Act establishes the UK’s legal framework for autonomous vehicles and places legal responsibility for authorised self-driving operations on the approved operator rather than the vehicle occupant.