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GMB calls for taxi and PHV driver transition plan before autonomous services expand in London
GMB has welcomed a London Assembly Transport Committee report on autonomous transport, saying a plan to support drivers should be developed before driverless services are deployed more widely.
Matthew Wright, GMB regional organiser, said the committee had recognised the potential effect on drivers’ jobs and recommended a just transition plan. The union said support could include retraining and redeployment if autonomous vehicles become more widely available.
“Support and protection for drivers, including retraining and redeployment opportunities, will be essential if autonomous vehicles become more widely available,” Wright said.
GMB also welcomed the report’s recommendations on passenger safety, highlighting the experience of disabled passengers who may rely on drivers for assistance and reassurance.
“We also welcome the recommendations on passenger safety, and particularly the experience of disabled passengers, who often rely on our members for assistance and reassurance only a human driver can provide,” Wright said.
The union said it had called on the Department for Transport and Transport for London (TfL) to develop a transition plan. Wright urged both bodies to begin work before autonomous services are deployed, and said GMB was ready to work with TfL and the committee on the recommendations.
Elly Baker, Londonwide Assembly Member and Labour’s transport spokesperson on the London Assembly, said autonomous passenger vehicles could have a significant impact on driving jobs in London. She said private hire drivers provide an essential service and called for a fuller assessment of potential effects on congestion and road safety.
Baker said: "Automated Passenger Vehicles could have a significant impact on driving jobs here in London. We need to take that extremely seriously. Private hire drivers deliver an essential service to Londoners and we need to recognise that.
"I’ve been clear that we need to fully understand how these vehicles could affect congestion and safety on our streets before we agree to allow them to operate. If we don’t, then everyone from professional drivers to any Londoner who uses public transport could be affected.
"I want to see a more considered approach from all levels of government to protect livelihoods. We must not be afraid to say no to robocabs if we can’t make sure that the needs of all Londoners are met.”
