London’s driverless taxi plans face fresh scrutiny, with the London Assembly’s transport committee calling for stronger protections before services are approved, according to The Times.
The newspaper reports that the committee wants Transport for London to withhold consent for operators including Waymo, Wayve and Baidu until safeguards are in place.
Safety, congestion and accountability
The reported recommendations cover near-miss reporting, emergency-service coordination and support for passengers who cannot raise an alarm. The committee also wants oversight of empty vehicle journeys and the effect on public transport.
What it means for drivers
The report raises concerns about taxi and private hire livelihoods and calls for transition support, including retraining where needed.
TfL told The Times that safety remains its priority and that automated passenger services in London need its consent.
This is a call for safeguards, rather than an announcement that London has banned robotaxis. For working drivers, it is another reason to follow the actual approval process rather than assume launch plans are settled.
Source: The Times, 12 October 2026: London’s plans for driverless cars ‘lack crucial safety features’. Original report may require a subscription.