TfL insists autonomous vehicle rules must protect blind and partially sighted passengers
- Perry Richardson
- Apr 9
- 3 min read
Transport for London has reiterated the need for accessibility to be central to autonomous vehicle deployment, warning that new services must work for blind and partially sighted people as trials expand across the capital.
In a written response, the Mayor confirmed that Transport for London “is engaged with the Department for Transport and Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles regarding trials of automated vehicle (AV) technology in London”.
The response highlights that current national policy enables testing without additional city-level approvals. It states: “Currently, CCAV’s Code of Practice allows for trialling across the country without additional local permissions.” TfL has nonetheless sought to influence how those trials operate in the capital by producing its own guidance.
From a regulatory standpoint, TfL has used consultations to push for stronger safeguards around safety and inclusion. The authority said it has “responded to Government consultations and calls for evidence on AV safety principles”, including input on the developing regulatory framework and automated passenger service permitting scheme.
London transport authority outlines role in trials and calls for stronger safeguards ahead of 2026 legislation
A key concern raised is the impact on disabled passengers, particularly those who rely on consistent and accessible transport options. TfL said it has “consistently underlined that AV legislation and forthcoming regulations must support safety and accessibility for all road users”.
The response goes further in addressing specific user needs, stating that protections should include “considerations for protecting current accessible modes, and for APS design and operations to support access for all including blind and partially sighted people”. This reflects growing industry focus on how driverless systems will handle passenger interaction, wayfinding, and safe boarding without a human driver present.
TfL also linked its position to wider safety objectives, noting that accessibility requirements must align with its Vision Zero ambitions. The authority has previously stressed that any new vehicle technology must contribute to reducing road danger rather than introducing new risks.
On the issue of where trials are taking place, the response offers limited detail, pointing instead to the national framework. With trials permitted without additional local permissions, decisions on locations are not solely controlled by City Hall or TfL.
The regulatory landscape is expected to become clearer in the coming months. “The APS regulations are expected to be made by Government in spring 2026,” the response states, adding that these will be supported by non-statutory guidance for applicants and authorities such as TfL.
For operators and developers, the direction of travel is becoming more defined. Accessibility and safety requirements are likely to form a core part of approval processes, with London positioning itself as a testbed where regulatory expectations may be more stringent than elsewhere in the
Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, said: “Transport for London (TfL) is engaged with the Department for Transport (DfT) and Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV) regarding trials of automated vehicle (AV) technology in London. Currently, CCAV’s Code of Practice allows for trialling across the country without additional local permissions. TfL has also developed guidance for trials in London.
“TfL has responded to Government consultations and calls for evidence on AV safety principles, including the recent call for evidence on developing the AV regulatory framework and last year’s consultation on the automated passenger service (APS) permitting scheme regulations. Through previous consultation and call for evidence responses, TfL has consistently underlined that AV legislation and forthcoming regulations must support safety and accessibility for all road users, including considerations for protecting current accessible modes, and for APS design and operations to support access for all including blind and partially sighted people, as well as supporting delivery of Vision Zero.
“The APS regulations are expected to be made by Government in spring 2026, along with non-statutory guidance for APS applicants and consenting authorities such as TfL.”
