London is preparing for a possible future with self-driving taxis after Waymo began testing its robotaxi service in the city. The company, owned by Alphabet, has started operating its autonomous vehicles on public roads under temporary authorization from British transport regulators. This marks the first time Waymo’s technology has been tested in a major European capital, following similar deployments in the United States.
The tests follow the U.K. government’s recent update to its legal framework for self-driving vehicles. New regulations now allow companies to operate commercial robotaxi services once testing phases are completed and authorities grant final approval. Waymo has not confirmed when it expects to launch a full service, but industry observers say the timeline could be months rather than years. The company has not disclosed which London boroughs will host the initial tests.
Transport officials emphasize that safety remains the top priority. Vehicles in the trial will have safety drivers behind the wheel, ready to intervene if needed. The U.K. is racing to position itself as a leader in autonomous vehicle technology, aiming to reduce road accidents and improve traffic flow. Earlier this year, the government announced plans to fast-track approvals for self-driving systems in public transport and logistics.
Waymo’s move comes as other global players, including Tesla and Mobileye, prepare similar initiatives in Europe. London’s complex traffic patterns and dense urban environment make it a critical test case for the technology. The city’s mayor has previously expressed cautious optimism, noting that robotaxis could ease congestion if integrated carefully with existing transport networks.
For now, Londoners may spot Waymo’s distinctive white Jaguar I-Pace vehicles on selected routes. The company has not revealed passenger capacity or pricing details for a future service. Analysts expect further regulatory clarity within the next six months as the government finalizes its approach to commercial deployment.
Source: techcrunch.com