London robotaxi launch delayed because there are no rules for companies

The government wanted driverless taxis to start this spring, but it looks like they will not begin this year.

Published 26 August 2026 161 words
TECHNOLOGY A2
London robotaxi launch delayed because there are no rules for companies

Robotaxis, or taxis without a driver, will probably not start in London this year. Some problems with rules and technology have made the plan late.

The UK government had planned for driverless taxis to begin trials this spring. But now, it seems unlikely they will start this year.

Companies that want to offer these services need approval from Transport for London (TfL). However, TfL has not yet published the rules these companies must follow.

To operate a taxi without a driver, companies need a special permit. No company has received this permit yet. TfL has also not received any applications to operate in London.

Uber and a London company called Wayve were recently given permission to offer taxi rides that can drive themselves. However, a person will be in the car to watch and help if needed. They planned to start these rides soon.

Many people in London are waiting for these self-driving taxis. Other companies in the US and China already have robotaxi services.

Vocabulary

robotaxis — Taxis that can drive by themselves without a human driver.
delayed — Happening later than planned.
rules — Instructions about what you must do or not do.
trials — Tests to see if something works well.
approval — Official permission for something.
permit — An official document that allows you to do something.

Discussion Questions

  1. Why is the launch of robotaxis in London delayed?
  2. What do companies need to do before they can offer driverless taxi services?
  3. When did the UK government want driverless taxis to start?

Based on an article from The Guardian.

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