Sadiq Khan Seeks Power to Cap London Robotaxis

London Mayor Sadiq Khan is lobbying the UK government for the authority to cap the number of robotaxis operating on city streets. Khan argues that politicians have not fully grasped the pace of technological change and warns that a mass rollout without proper regulation could increase traffic congestion and threaten the livelihoods of black-taxi and private hire drivers.

The push for regulation follows the introduction of Chinese Baidu robotaxis by Freenow by Lyft, which are currently undergoing testing in the borough of Brent. The company plans to launch fully driverless services as early as next year. Other major players, including Uber and Waymo, are also targeting the London market, with Uber having started limited passenger services using Wayve's self-driving technology in September.

While Freenow by Lyft general manager Danny O’Gorman suggests that displaced drivers could transition to roles in new autonomous vehicle depots, the industry has faced pushback. Drivers' unions have already staged protests at the London headquarters of Waymo and Wayve. Currently, Transport for London grants consent for autonomous vehicle use but lacks the legal power to license robotaxi services.