ADCU accuses TfL of “abandoning London’s drivers” as Uber and Wayve prepare autonomous vehicle trial in the capital
- Perry Richardson
- Jun 13
- 2 min read
The App Drivers’ and Couriers’ Union (ADCU) has accused Transport for London (TfL) of failing to provide answers over the planned rollout of autonomous vehicles in the capital, following announcements that Uber and autonomous driving technology firm Wayve are preparing for public trials.
The union’s intervention comes after Uber and London-based Wayve opened an interest list for people wanting to take part in future autonomous vehicle journeys. Uber has described the technology as “tested and ready to go”, with London set to become the first city in the world to host commercial Wayve journeys before the technology expands to more than 10 cities globally.
During the initial phase, the vehicles are expected to operate with a human safety driver behind the wheel. However, ADCU says fundamental questions remain unanswered about the role of those drivers and the regulatory framework surrounding the trials.
According to the union, TfL has informed ADCU that it has not been involved in discussions regarding the proposed deployment and that no operator has formally approached the regulator.
Cristina-Georgiana Ioanitescu, ADCU General Secretary, criticised TfL’s position, saying: “TfL cannot just abandon London’s drivers, shrug its shoulders and say ‘it’s nothing to do with us’ as massive global corporations fundamentally reshape the taxi and private hire industry.”
Ioanitescu added that drivers require immediate clarity on licensing and accountability arrangements before any trial proceeds.
“Our members need urgent answers from TfL about the use of human safety drivers during the trial phase,” she said. “Will these safety drivers be required to hold a valid TfL Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) licence? Who will be held liable if there is a technical issue or an accident? The human driver, or the operating company?”
The union argues that until those questions are resolved, TfL should intervene. Ioanitescu said: “We’ve had no clarity at all on any of these issues and until we do, TfL must halt the trial to prevent a dangerous circumvention of London’s licensing standards.”
ADCU is also raising concerns about the employment status and pay arrangements of human safety drivers. The union warned that autonomous vehicle trials could create new opportunities for worker exploitation if platform operators are allowed to introduce new working models without sufficient oversight.
Beyond employment concerns, ADCU claims the expansion of autonomous vehicle fleets could conflict with wider transport and environmental objectives. The union argues that additional vehicles on London’s roads risk increasing congestion while also raising questions about the energy demands associated with the data centres required to support autonomous driving systems.
Ioanitescu stressed that the union’s concerns are not directed at technological innovation itself.
“We are not against new technology, but we are absolutely against platform companies using tech to find new ways to exploit workers and bypass regulations,” she said.
She added: “Uber and Wayve are moving at breakneck speed, setting up waitlists and claiming their vehicles are ‘ready to go’, all while the regulator sits on the sidelines.”
Calling for greater transparency from London’s transport authority, Ioanitescu concluded: “The information blackout from TfL must stop now. We are demanding that TfL steps up, demands answers, and protects London’s drivers before a single commercial AV hits the road.”
