Public roads in the UK to welcome self-driving vehicle tests starting in 2026
The UK is gearing up for a significant shift in transportation as autonomous vehicles (AVs) are scheduled to hit public roads starting from spring 2026. This ambitious plan, primarily focusing on London, follows the government's accelerated pilot projects for fully driverless robotaxi services by companies like Wayve and Uber.
The UK's Transport AI action plan, unveiled by the government, outlines the role of artificial intelligence in reducing congestion and enabling future mobility solutions. The plan supports the use of AVs to improve mobility for people who cannot drive due to age or disability and in rural and underserved areas.
The recently passed Automated Vehicles Act establishes the legal framework for self-driving technology in the UK. According to the Act, AVs must demonstrate safety standards at least equal to those of competent and careful human drivers before being deployed without supervision.
Two British firms, Wayve and Oxa, are at the forefront of advancing self-driving technologies. Wayve has secured over $1 billion in investment and announced partnerships with Nissan and Uber. The company is also scheduled to launch its autonomous vehicle services in England, contributing to the expected creation of up to 38,000 jobs and a £42 billion boost to the economy by 2035.
Oxa, on the other hand, is involved in trials at Heathrow Airport. The trials will allow companies to operate small-scale self-driving services without a safety driver for the first time. The trials will be app-based taxi- and bus-style services introduced in select areas.
The government has fast-tracked pilot schemes for these autonomous vehicles. The pilots aim to test the technology's readiness for everyday use and demonstrate its potential to enhance road safety and mobility. Unlike human drivers, AVs are not affected by fatigue, distraction, or alcohol.
The announcement about autonomous vehicles coincides with London Tech Week. The UK's autonomous vehicle sector is expected to support up to 38,000 jobs and contribute £42 billion to the economy by 2035. The trials and launches of these AV services mark a significant step forward in the UK's commitment to embracing technology and advancing mobility solutions.
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