The UK will launch trials of autonomous taxi services in spring 2026, advancing the timeline by one year as the country attempts to catch up with the US and China in autonomous vehicle deployment.
Transport secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed the move, enabling a small number of robotaxis and autonomous bus services to begin operating without safety drivers on a pilot basis. Members of the public will be able to access these services via mobile apps before broader deployment when the full Automated Vehicles Act takes effect in late 2027.
The government estimates the autonomous vehicle industry could create 38,000 jobs and add £42 billion to the UK economy by 2035. “Self-driving cars could bring jobs, investment, and the opportunity for the UK to be among the world-leaders in new technology,” Alexander explained.
Self-driving technology offers enhanced mobility, particularly amongst rural communities with limited access to public transport and individuals unable to drive conventional vehicles.
However, Alexander also emphasised that safety remains paramount, with self-driving vehicles required to match or exceed competent human driver performance standards as mandated by the Automated Vehicles Act. With human error factors apparently contributing to 88 per cent of road collisions, the announcement highlighted that unlike human drivers, these systems cannot become distracted, tired, or impaired.
The move builds on momentum in the UK’s autonomous vehicle sector. Autonomous technology company Wayve secured an investment exceeding $1 billion and established partnerships with Nissan and Uber, while autonomous vehicle software company Oxa already deploys self-driving solutions at Heathrow Airport and supports bus-like services in the US.
Technology secretary Peter Kyle furtheremphasised the strategic importance of the country’s growing ambitions in the sector.
We can’t afford to take a back seat on AI, unless it’s on a self-driving bus.
Peter Kyle
UK Technology Secretary
The latest move forms part of the Department of Transport’s new AI action plan, which outlines the country’s ambitions to integrate AI across the UK’s transport infrastructure to reduce traffic congestion and boost the sector.
The news also comes as activity in the automotive technology industry accelerates; electronics manufacturer LG recently unveiled what it claimed was the world’s first 5G satellite connectivity module for vehicles this week.