‘WORRYING DEVELOPMENT’: Union warns London’s drivers face uncertain future after TfL approves autonomous Uber fleet
- Perry Richardson
- 6 minutes ago
- 2 min read
The GMB Union has voiced concerns over the future impact of autonomous private hire vehicles after Transport for London (TfL) granted Private Hire Vehicle licences to Wayve’s self-driving Ford Mustang Mach-E fleet ahead of Uber’s supervised autonomous passenger trial.
The union, which represents thousands of private hire drivers across London, said the licensing decision raises important questions about employment, passenger safety and the wider social impact of introducing autonomous vehicles into the capital’s licensed transport network.
The comments follow TfL’s decision to approve a number of Wayve’s autonomous electric vehicles for use under Uber’s existing private hire operator licence. The vehicles will initially operate with a trained and TfL-licensed private hire driver onboard, in line with the Government’s Automated Vehicle Trialling Code of Practice, allowing the safety driver to intervene if required.
Responding to the development, GMB Regional Organiser Matthew Wright said the union was concerned about the long-term consequences for professional drivers.
“This is a worrying development for our private hire driver members,” Wright said.
“We can’t go charging ahead with new technologies without considering the implications of autonomous vehicles on all parties.”
While the initial trial remains limited in scope and continues to require licensed drivers inside every vehicle, GMB argued that the industry cannot ignore the potential impact if autonomous technology is deployed more widely in future.
Wright questioned what support would be available for drivers whose livelihoods could be affected.
“For drivers; how will they be supported to reskill and redeploy if their jobs go? How will society cope with the lost tax revenue and potential increases in unemployment?” he said.
The union also highlighted broader public policy questions that extend beyond employment. Liability following collisions, passenger safety and accessibility remain key areas that policymakers, regulators and operators will need to address as autonomous technology develops.
“For the public, how will their safety be impacted? Who is liable for accidents? What implications are there for disabled passengers?” Wright added.
Accessibility has become an increasingly prominent issue in discussions surrounding autonomous mobility. While technology developers have promoted the potential for improved transport access, disability groups and industry representatives have repeatedly stressed that future services must continue to meet the needs of passengers who require assistance beyond simply completing a journey.
GMB also argued that professional drivers provide value that extends beyond operating a vehicle.
“And for passengers, driverless cars cannot replace the knowledge, experience, and human connection that a skilled driver offers,” Wright said.
He concluded: “GMB urges TfL to proceed with extreme caution.”
The intervention adds organised labour’s voice to a growing debate surrounding autonomous passenger transport. Technology companies including Uber and Wayve have promoted self-driving vehicles as a way to improve road safety, reduce emissions and expand transport options, while supporters also point to potential operational efficiencies over time.
However, trade unions and many drivers have consistently argued that the transition raises significant employment, regulatory and public safety questions that must be resolved before autonomous services move beyond tightly controlled pilot schemes.
