Robotaxi trials start in London this Spring
Last modified on 26 January, 2026In Spring of 2026, Level 4 robotaxis will be tested on public roads across tens of boroughs1 in London. As one of the world’s most complex urban environments, London is the perfect testbed to prepare for scaling up to other cities across the globe.
While AV companies2 are waiting for authorities’ approval and confirmation of the first routes and boroughs to start the trials, the UK government is preparing its new regulatory framework expected to set clearer requirements namely around remote access. Last December, a call for evidence was launched on how AVs should be authorised, licensed, investigated after incidents and protected from cyber threats.
Further consultation on the drafted regulatory framework is expected to take place in the second half of 2026, after the start of approved public trials. The full self-driving vehicle legal framework is not expected to come into force before the second half of 2027.
“It will be interesting to see how existing passenger service providers respond to AV deployments under this scheme, which they may see as threatening to their business. Similarly, transport authorities will want to ensure their efforts to encourage travellers to use public transport and active travel modes are not cannibalized by robotaxi operations.”
Professor Nick Reed, founder of Reed Mobility (for Traffic Technology International3)
Besides regulations and public acceptance, Professor Reed identified other challenges:
- Operational: London’s streets are made up of an intricate network of traffic configurations, narrow roads and modal mix
- Practical: “Managing the safety of vehicle occupants, ensuring continuity of service in the face of the infinite variability of the driving task (and how to integrate remote support for vehicle and occupants into this), ensuring the vehicles’ cleanliness and roadworthiness every time they are deployed”
Sources: The original articles were published here and here.
Image credit: Wayve
- So far, only one of the players involved has identified specific boroughs (subject to approval by regulators and local authorities) where their trials will take place: read more here ↩︎
- Read more about the specific ride-hailing firms lining up to participate in the trials ↩︎
- November/December 2025 edition of TTi magazine ↩︎