Can local authorities handle the regulatory burden of automated taxi and private hire service permits?
- Perry Richardson
- Jul 23
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 29
The Government’s consultation on a new Automated Passenger Services (APS) permitting scheme has opened questions about whether local authorities are ready to handle the regulatory demands of this emerging transport model.
As set out in the consultation published on 21 July, operators wishing to deploy driverless vehicles carrying paying passengers will need to seek consent from local licensing and bus franchising authorities before a permit can be granted. This requirement places local councils at the heart of the rollout process, with a direct role in deciding where and how these services will operate.
However, there is concern over the level of preparedness within many local authorities. Regulating automated passenger services like automated taxis is a new area that falls outside the scope of traditional licensing. Unlike taxis or public service vehicles, APS schemes involve technology that operates without a driver, relies on complex systems and may use entirely new service models.
To perform their role effectively, local authorities will need to assess the safety, accessibility, and integration of these services with existing transport infrastructure. They will also need to consider how deployments impact congestion, emissions, and local mobility needs.
The Department for Transport has recognised this challenge and is seeking views on what guidance and support should be made available. The consultation suggests that detailed guidance may be required to ensure local authorities have a consistent understanding of their role in the permit process.
Many councils are already under financial and staffing pressures. Taking on new regulatory duties linked to automated transport could stretch resources further. Without dedicated support, there is a risk that authorities could delay or reject applications simply due to uncertainty or lack of capacity to engage with technical detail.
Industry observers have also raised the issue of variation across the country. With local consent forming part of the approval process, some regions may take a more cautious approach than others. This could lead to a patchwork of availability, where services are welcomed in some areas but stalled in others.
The success of the APS scheme may depend on how quickly and confidently local authorities can develop internal capabilities to review applications, monitor services and respond to operational changes. Building those capabilities will require not only technical guidance but also clear policy frameworks, shared learning, and possibly centralised resources to support smaller authorities.
With the first commercial deployments targeted for Spring 2026, time is limited to address these readiness gaps. The consultation, which runs until 28 September, is expected to gather feedback from local authorities, industry stakeholders and the public on how these challenges can be met.
