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BACKING BLACK CABS: Rosie Duffield MP questions need for driverless cars as autonomous Uber trials begin in London
- Perry Richardson
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
Independent MP Rosie Duffield has questioned the case for introducing driverless cars in London, warning that licensed black cab drivers are already being “steadily pushed out”.
The Independent Canterbury MP challenged the need following the launch of autonomous Uber journeys using technology developed by Wayve.
Duffield made the comments in response to a post from Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, who said he had taken his first ride in an autonomous Uber as Wayve launched its new service in the capital.
The Canterbury MP acknowledged the wider benefits technology can deliver, but questioned whether autonomous vehicles were necessary in a city already served by experienced professional taxi drivers.
Duffield said: “Technology and innovation can of course be revolutionary, save lives and solve huge problems.
“But just why exactly do we, in any way, need driverless cars? Why in London where uniquely-skilled, safe and experienced licensed black cabbies are being steadily pushed out?”
Her calls add a political dimension to the debate over how autonomous ride-hailing could affect London’s established taxi and private hire industries.
Wayve’s autonomous technology is being deployed through Uber in London, initially with a human safety driver present and able to intervene. The introduction represents an early step towards potentially removing the driver altogether once the technology and regulatory framework allow.
For London’s taxi trade, the longer-term question is whether autonomous services will simply add another transport option or begin competing directly for journeys currently undertaken by licensed taxi and private hire drivers.
Black cab drivers face different operating requirements from app-based private hire services. London’s taxi drivers must pass the Knowledge and operate purpose-built vehicles that meet Transport for London licensing requirements, while taxis also retain the right to ply for hire and use designated ranks.
The arrival of autonomous ride-hailing raises questions extending beyond just vehicle technology. Policymakers and regulators will have to consider how driverless commercial passenger services fit alongside existing licensing structures, accessibility requirements, safety responsibilities and the livelihoods of professional drivers.
The scale and speed of any eventual move towards fully driverless commercial services remains uncertain. However, the start of autonomous Uber journeys in London means the debate is increasingly moving from theoretical questions about future technology towards how it could operate alongside the capital’s existing taxi and private hire market.
