London clears Wayve robotaxis for City streets with Uber partnership

Transport for London has awarded British autonomous driving company Wayve a licence to operate a fleet of self-driving cars in the City of London, marking the first time robotaxis will appear on the capital's streets. The approval covers modified Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles equipped with roof-mounted cameras and additional sensors, all inspected against TfL's safety standards. Uber will manage and operate the service, with public test rides expected to begin later this summer.

Each vehicle must carry a qualified human driver ready to take control at any moment, and the driver, operator and vehicle must all hold licences from the same authority. The conditions reflect a cautious regulatory approach that prioritises safety over speed of deployment. Sarah Gates, Wayve's vice-president of global affairs and assurance, described the decision as "an important step towards giving Londoners the chance to experience autonomous driving technology."

Union warns of jobs impact

The GMB Union, which represents thousands of private hire drivers in London, criticised the move. Regional organiser Matthew Wright called it "a worrying development" and urged TfL to "proceed with extreme caution" before expanding autonomous vehicle permits. The union argues that the implications for driver livelihoods and passenger safety have not been fully assessed.

What happens next

Wayve and Uber will now prepare the fleet for summer trials, during which TfL will monitor performance and safety data. If the pilot proceeds without incident, the regulator may consider expanding the operational area or relaxing the safety driver requirement. For now, Londoners can expect to see the distinctive camera-topped Mustangs navigating the City's narrow streets with a human at the wheel, ready to intervene.