London taxi trade reps discuss hypothetically how future autonomous vehicle threat might be challenged

London taxi trade representatives discussed hypothetically when autonomous vehicles may become a threat to the industry in the capital and how it might be challenged.

In Wizann’s latest industry video ‘Why doesn't the UCG and LTDA like each other’, the conversation takes an intriguing turn towards autonomous vehicles (AV) and their potential impact on the taxi trade.

Steve McNamara, General Secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA), and Trevor Merralls, General Secretary of United Cabbies Group (UCG), debated how the trade might adapt to the advancement of AVs, along with hosts from the Wizann Knowledge School.

Addressing where they see the taxi trade and the Knowledge of London in 30 years, McNamara suggested that autonomous vehicles could become more of a talking point. When questioned if this might deter individuals from completing the Knowledge of London now, McNamara remarked: “Anybody who looks 30 years in the future for any career, I think he’s doing really well. I don’t know if I would want to be studying to be a lawyer at the moment with this AI stuff.”

The conversation evolved to highlight the possible need for a qualified individual on board for safety and navigation, even if the vehicle becomes fully autonomous.

Merralls speculated: “If autonomous vehicles come along you’ve got to be arguing for public safety. A bit like the Dockland Light Railway that they’ve got to have a human being on the train. What’s to stop the taxi trade arguing that someone in the autonomous vehicle has got to have done the Knowledge of London?”

The potential impact of autonomous taxis and private hire vehicles could be substantial. However, the integration of AVs has begun raising significant questions about safety, regulation, and the future role of human drivers.

For the taxi trade, the introduction of AVs could mean a shift in how services are provided, with a possible emphasis on the unique value placed on human expertise and interaction.