Driverless cars are expected to begin operating in London later this year, with Google-owned autonomous vehicle company Waymo confirming plans to launch its service once regulatory approval is secured.
The company says its self-driving cars are expected to be fully operational by the end of 2026.
Waymo currently has about 24 vehicles on London’s roads, although they are being driven by human drivers. This stage is focused on mapping streets and collecting data. The next phase will involve testing the cars with a safety driver behind the wheel, in line with the government’s code of practice for autonomous vehicles.
The final phase will see the vehicles operating without a human driver, allowing passengers to be driven entirely by the car. A Waymo spokesperson said the company intends to open the service to riders later this year, subject to government approval.
The UK government has welcomed the development. Transport minister Lilian Greenwood said London’s selection as Waymo’s first European city was encouraging, stressing that safety and security would remain the priority. She added that the government is working on new regulations to support the rollout of automated vehicles without cutting corners.
Waymo says its cars have a strong safety record and can detect their surroundings more accurately than human drivers, particularly when it comes to pedestrians and cyclists. The company also highlighted added benefits such as privacy and improved security for passengers.
Despite the excitement, Waymo says the number of vehicles will be limited, meaning driverless cars are unlikely to significantly increase traffic. The company says London’s streets will ultimately test whether autonomous vehicles can handle one of the world’s busiest cities.
