House of Lords debate accessibility concerns around self-driving Uber vehicles and bus pilot plans
- Perry Richardson
- 9 hours ago
- 2 min read
Government ministers faced tough questions in the House of Lords over plans for self-driving Uber pilots, with peers pressing for greater clarity on how disabled passengers will be accommodated.
Baroness Brinton criticised the timing of the government’s consultation, saying it coincides with the design and manufacturing phase of autonomous vehicles due to hit roads early next year. She warned that without accessibility built in from the start, disabled users risk being left behind once again, with only partial retrofits available later.
The pilots, announced on 10 June, include partnerships with developers Wayve and Oxa. Brinton asked if contract terms would guarantee design features such as ramps, and visual and audio announcements. Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, Minister for Transport, responded that while statutory regulations won’t specify detailed requirements, permit conditions could enforce accessibility standards. These would be based on guidance developed by the Department for Transport.
Hendy added that many of the initial vehicles used in the trials will be existing models similar to current taxis and private hire vehicles. New designs, he said, will arrive later and may include features suitable for disabled passengers.
Several other peers backed Brinton’s concerns. Baroness Griffin asked what wider plans exist for disabled people in all forms of public transport, while Baroness Watkins highlighted the potential use of self-driving vehicles in rural areas where buses are limited. Hendy agreed that autonomous vehicles could serve ageing and remote communities, providing transport access where traditional services fall short.
Lord Harper emphasised that automated vehicles could enhance mobility for people with disabilities, but only if they are designed inclusively from the outset. Lord Shinkwin linked the issue to employment, asking how retrofitting vehicles helps disabled people participate in the workforce.
On the issue of safety, Baroness Pidgeon queried how liability will be determined in crashes involving autonomous vehicles. Hendy confirmed safety is the government’s top priority and that further details would be provided in writing. He also acknowledged national security concerns following a report warning that autonomous vehicles could be weaponised, saying the government takes these risks seriously and will act to protect the public.
Peers from all parties called on ministers to ensure that accessibility and safety are not afterthoughts in the UK’s push to lead on autonomous vehicle technology.
