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Driverless cars and taxis could hit UK roads by 2026 - but most Brits remain unconvinced


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Driverless cars and taxis could appear on UK streets by 2026, but recent figures show the British public remain sceptical about this technology.


According to a survey by motoring insurance specialists Quotezone.co.uk, two-thirds (66%) of Brits hold a negative view of fully autonomous vehicles.

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Although limited self-driving features are already legal in the UK, current regulations require a human driver to always remain in control of the vehicle.


The UK government recently confirmed plans to test driverless buses and taxis in a pilot scheme starting in spring 2026. A broader introduction of fully autonomous private cars is planned by late 2027.

However, the survey indicates strong resistance among drivers, with over four in five (84%) unwilling to own a driverless car. Just 12% said they viewed the technology positively.


Safety concerns were cited as the primary worry by nearly a quarter (24%) of respondents, while fears over technical faults (18%), loss of human control (17%), and cybersecurity threats (12%) were also raised.


The data highlights significant barriers that need addressing before driverless technology gains wider acceptance across Britain.

Greg Wilson, car insurance expert and CEO at Quotezone.co.uk said: “With the current buzz on driverless cars hitting the headlines, we wanted to understand how the public are really feeling about these futuristic vehicles.

 

“While driverless technology continues to advance at pace, it seems public trust is still catching up. Many people remain understandably cautious about handing over control to a machine - especially on busy, unpredictable UK roads.

“Driverless cars bring up a lot of complex questions surrounding insurance and responsibility. For example, who would be at fault in the case of a crash? Would it be the driver, the manufacturer, or the software provider?

 

“Insurers will need a robust framework for claims in order to help drivers feel more secure, as 11% of those we surveyed stated insurance and liability issues as a key concern.

 

“Following news that the government is planning to begin a pilot of driverless taxi and bus services as early as next spring, we plan to continue to touch base with the UK’s road users and our insurers, to understand the perception and preparation needed for an autonomous future.” 


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