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Government says no TfL guidance is required for driverless ‘robo-cab’ permits
The Department for Transport has held discussions with Transport for London (TfL) and the Greater London Authority (GLA) about the permitting framework for automated passenger services, the Government has confirmed.
In a written answer published, Transport Minister Justin Madders said the Department engages regularly with both bodies on the framework established under the Automated Vehicles Act 2024.
The discussions have covered how the pilot permitting scheme will operate, the roles of local licensing authorities and franchising bodies in providing consent, and non-statutory guidance issued by the Department to support those processes.
The response followed a question from Richard Holden, Conservative MP for Basildon and Billericay, who asked what discussions the Department had held with TfL and the GLA about guidance for applications involving fully autonomous taxi passenger services. He also asked for the Government’s policy on introducing driverless taxis in London.
Madders said that where an automated passenger service resembles a taxi or private hire vehicle, the relevant licensing authority must consent before a permit can be granted. However, he said there is no requirement for TfL, the GLA or another consent authority to issue guidance on the role such services could play in its area.
Individual permit applications will be decided under the statutory framework and will require appropriate local consent, the minister said. The answer did not set out a separate policy on driverless taxis in London, but stated that the Government believes automated passenger services could improve transport options and support innovation, with public safety remaining the overriding priority.
The permitting framework places local consent at the centre of applications for automated services that resemble taxis or private hire vehicles. The Government’s answer confirms that the local authority role is required, while local guidance about the services’ place in a particular area is not.
Madders said in full: “The Department engages regularly with Transport for London (TfL) and the Greater London Authority (GLA) on the Automated Passenger Services (APS) permitting framework established under the Automated Vehicles Act 2024.
“This engagement has included discussions on the operation of the pilot permitting scheme, the roles of local licensing authorities and franchising bodies in their consent function, and the non-statutory guidance issued by the Department to support these processes.
“Under the framework, where an automated passenger service resembles a taxi or private hire vehicle, the relevant licensing authority must provide its consent before a permit can be granted. There is no requirement for TfL, the GLA or any other consent authority to issue guidance on the role automated passenger services may play within their local areas.
“Decisions on individual permit applications will be taken in accordance with the statutory framework, including the requirement for appropriate local consent. The Government considers that automated passenger services have the potential to improve transport options and support innovation, while maintaining public safety as the overriding priority.”
