DRIVER IMPACT: London Assembly Member raises ‘cause for concern’ over fast-tracked driverless Uber trials in London
- Perry Richardson
- Jun 11
- 2 min read
A key member of the London Assembly has raised questions over the Government’s decision to fast-track the rollout of driverless taxis. The concerns come after Wayve and Uber confirmed they will begin road trials of Level 4 autonomous vehicles in the capital.
Elly Baker, London Assembly Labour spokesperson for Transport, said the plans could put existing taxi and private hire jobs at risk. She warned that while new roles may emerge in the development and management of driverless technology, current drivers must not be sidelined in a sector already facing limited employment protections.
Baker said she will review the pilot proposals in detail and raise concerns with both the Mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL). She called for open assessments on job impact, firm protections for workers and safeguards to avoid the erosion of real driving jobs.
She also stressed the importance of maintaining the strength of the public transport network and ensuring that new technologies do not weaken existing services.
The Government confirmed that driverless taxi and bus-style services will be trialled from spring 2026. These services will operate without safety drivers and may be made available to the public via mobile apps. It follows the approval of the Automated Vehicles Act, which is set to take full effect in 2027.
Wayve and Uber’s partnership marks the UK as Uber’s largest declared testing ground for autonomous vehicles. The companies will now seek regulatory approval from both the Department for Transport and TfL ahead of the trials.
The Government says the new technology could cut road collisions, reduce congestion, and open up new employment opportunities. By 2035, it is aiming to build a £42 billion self-driving vehicle industry with around 38,000 new jobs. However, there are well over 300,000 licensed taxi and PHV drivers in England whose jobs could be at risk due to autonomous vehilce take over.
Public consultation on safety standards is ongoing. The law will require autonomous vehicles to match or exceed the driving ability of a competent human before wider use is approved.
Elly Baker AM said: “The Government’s rush to fast‑track driverless taxis across London is cause for concern. Although jobs might be created building and managing driverless cars, existing taxi and private hire drivers shouldn’t risk being left behind in a sector with poor protections at work.
“I intend to look closely at these proposals and will raise concerns with the Mayor and Transport for London. We will push for transparent assessments of job losses, strong protections for existing workers and ensure any shift to driverless services doesn’t come at the cost of real, human jobs that keep London moving.
“We also need to ensure that any new transport technology in London does not undermine our brilliant public transport network.”
