Call for TfL to control driverless taxi trials

The London Assembly is calling on ministers to hand full oversight of driverless taxi trials to Transport for London (TfL), amid concerns central government is overriding devolved powers.

The Department for Transport (DfT) previously said it would fast-track testing for small-scale driverless taxi and bus-like services in 2026, ahead of a potential wider rollout in 2027.

However, several autonomous vehicle operators, including Uber and Wayve, are seeking approval from government to transport passengers in the capital as soon as this year.

The DfT said TfL remains responsible for taxi licensing in the capital and will continue working with the body on the trials.

Uber has already asked users to express their interest in driverless cabs, while another firm, Waymo, is currently testing its 100-strong fleet on London's roads.

Chairwoman of the London Assembly Transport Committee, Caroline Russell, said the government appeared to have "stepped in on London's devolved powers" regarding driverless taxis.

She said: "The regulation of all of this is being controlled by the government when TfL should have a licensing role in this. We're all a bit surprised because this is a new technology but the government has been controlling these trials and giving permission for the trials without TfL having any say."

Russell warned that this issue would form a major focus for the committee as it scrutinises how transport decisions are made and to "make sure that TfL manages the whole transport network".

She added: "They [TfL] really should have a say in how the regulation works, what kind of data the companies have, and the rules around the way the vehicles work."

TfL commissioner Andy Lord also warned of a "risk" that the DfT could undermine local authority powers.

"We need to be really clear that this doesn't cut across around London's devolution powers, and particularly the mayor and TfL's," Lord told the committee in March.

"Currently, there is no trial involving TfL – the trials are around how autonomous vehicles drive on the roads."

The Automated Vehicles Act 2024 established that legal responsibility for collisions lies with approved operators rather than drivers, with full implementation due in the second half of next year.

In May 2026, the DfT opened applications for commercial self-driving taxi trials across Britain, with Roads and Buses Minister Simon Lightwood claiming the technology represented a "transformative opportunity" to boost the economy.

However, local concerns remain regarding potential job losses among taxi and private hire drivers, alongside broader road safety fears.

While Lord confirmed TfL could block commercial passenger licences, he noted a potential loophole where companies could test vehicles for other uses, such as delivery services, without requiring TfL's consent.

A TfL spokesperson emphasised that safety remained the top priority and that any passenger-carrying service required appropriate regulatory approvals to align with the mayor's Transport Strategy and Vision Zero goals.

A DfT spokesperson said: "Permits for Automated Passenger Services to operate in London cannot be issued without TfL's consent.

"This requirement was set out in the Automated Vehicles Act 2024, which was fully scrutinised by Parliament before becoming law. We continue to work closely with TfL ahead of any future pilots."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk