Gradual self-driving vehicle rollout to involve engagement with taxi driver groups, says DfT
- Perry Richardson
- Jun 16
- 2 min read
A Government minister has confirmed that the introduction of self-driving vehicles under the new Automated Vehicles Act 2024 will be gradual, with plans in place to consult key driving sectors, including taxi and private hire representatives.
In response to a written question from Reform UK MP Lee Anderson, who raised concerns over the potential impact on those employed in driving roles, Lilian Greenwood, Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the Department for Transport, said that engagement with driver groups will continue as the technology develops and legislation progresses.
Greenwood noted that while the technology is still at an early stage, the sector is expected to bring significant economic benefits. According to government projections, self-driving vehicles could unlock up to £42 billion for the UK economy and generate 38,000 new jobs by 2035. These jobs are expected to be focused in technology development and manufacturing.
The minister also highlighted safety as a key driver behind the Government’s backing of autonomous vehicles, pointing to statistics that show human error contributes to nearly 90% of road collisions.
The Government aims to work closely with industry stakeholders to ensure that the transition takes into account the livelihoods of those in driving-based professions. The Department for Transport is preparing secondary legislation to implement the Act, and discussions with taxi, bus, and private hire groups are part of that process.
The Automated Vehicles Act 2024 sets the legal framework for the deployment of self-driving cars on UK roads, laying out manufacturer responsibilities and safety standards.
Greenwood said: “The development of self-driving vehicle technology has the potential to support our Plan for Growth, creating up to 38,000 high-quality jobs, and unlocking £42 billion for the UK economy by 2035. Additional benefits will include reducing human error – which causes nearly 9 in 10 road collisions – and offering new, flexible transport options, particularly for those with limited mobility.
“We expect that the introduction of self-driving vehicles will be gradual, given the current readiness of the technology. We are committed to continued engagement with affected groups, including representatives for taxi, bus and private hire vehicle drivers, as we develop and implement the secondary legislation underpinning the Act.”
