Taxi insurance expert sceptical over immediate UK readiness for Uber robotaxi rollout, but concerns for cabbies long-term future
- Perry Richardson
- 51 minutes ago
- 2 min read
A taxi industry insurance expert raised concerns over the UK’s readiness to embrace driverless taxi services, following Uber’s announcement of plans to deploy autonomous vehicles on British roads.
The ride-hailing firm suggested there are ‘ready to launch’ its robotaxi pending ongoing Department for Transport consultations. Depending on the results of the consultation, ride-hailing operators could offer fully deployed robotaxis by as early as 2027.
David Sweeney, Head of Taxi Broking at The Taxi Insurer, expressed doubts over the pace of public acceptance. He said the public is unlikely to embrace the technology within the next two years, adding that people will expect years of proven safety before changing how they travel.
Introduced during the King’s Speech, new legislation allows for the safe operation of vehicles using advanced technology. It places the UK in a leading position globally for regulating autonomous vehicles.
Uber has already begun discussions to bring its driverless services to the UK, potentially using partners such as Motional or Waymo. However, the exact location and timeline for initial trials remain unclear.
While the technology promises long-term operational cost benefits for firms like Uber, concerns are growing around the impact on the current taxi workforce. Sweeney noted that the development raises a key issue about the future role of professional drivers.
Sweeney said: “I’d be surprised if the public embrace driverless taxis within the next two years. I’d expect them to want to see several years of autonomous cars in successful operation and proof that they are safe before they accept them as the norm.
“It’s certainly a bold move from Uber, which could change the face of travel as we know it. But it does raise the concerning question of what would happen to the drivers currently employed in the industry.”
