London Assembly wants TfL to control driverless taxi trials

The London Assembly has called on ministers to give Transport for London (TfL) complete oversight of driverless taxi trials in the capital. This move follows concerns that central government is overriding devolved transport powers.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced plans to accelerate testing for small-scale driverless taxi and bus services in 2026. However, several autonomous vehicle operators, including Uber and Wayve, are seeking government approval to transport passengers in London as early as this year.

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Concerns over devolved powers

Caroline Russell, Chairwoman of the London Assembly Transport Committee, stated that the government appears to have "stepped in on London's devolved powers" concerning driverless taxis. She noted that the government is controlling these trials and granting permissions without TfL having any input, despite TfL's responsibility for taxi licensing.

Russell warned that this issue would be a significant focus for the committee as it examines transport decision-making processes. She added that TfL should have a say in regulation, data requirements, and vehicle operating rules.

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TfL commissioner Andy Lord also expressed concern that the DfT could undermine local authority powers. He told the committee in March that trials are currently focused on how autonomous vehicles operate on roads, not involving TfL directly. Lord confirmed that while TfL could block commercial passenger licences, companies might test vehicles for other purposes, such as deliveries, without TfL's consent.

Regulatory framework and safety

The Automated Vehicles Act 2024 places legal responsibility for collisions on approved operators, a measure set to be fully implemented in the latter half of next year. The DfT opened applications for commercial self-driving taxi trials across Britain in May 2026.

A TfL spokesperson emphasised that safety is paramount and any passenger-carrying service would need regulatory approval aligned with the mayor's Transport Strategy and Vision Zero goals. A DfT spokesperson confirmed that permits for automated passenger services in London require TfL's consent, as stipulated in the Automated Vehicles Act 2024, and that the DfT continues to work closely with TfL.