Robotaxis must obey London Rules, TfL chief says

Fahad Redha

April 7, 2026
3 min read

Robotaxis must obey London Rules, TfL chief says

Driverless cars have begun to operate around London ahead of the launch of the country’s first robotaxis. But to apply for hire, they must be approved by TfL. The opportunities for robotaxis are “unproven,” according to the Mayor’s transport deputy, Seb Dance.

These vehicles and the companies operating them “would have to meet our current private hire regulatory requirements, and no driverless vehicle would comply as it stands,” TfL chief Andy Lord told the London Assembly.

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The companies planning to launch a robotaxi in London include Wayve, backed by Uber and Microsoft, and Waymo which is owned by Google’s parent firm Alphabet. These companies have boasted that their vehicles do not drink, follow the speed limit, and are never tired. But Dance says that an “awful lot of work” is still needed, adding that it still needs to be determined whether autonomous vehicles provide a “a net benefit on safety.”

There is also the fear that, while driverless cars are an alternative to private car use, a fleet of robotaxis could lead to more congestion and pollution, the London Assembly’s transport committee heard. Private hire numbers had reached “unsustainable” levels, according to Lord, with as many as 130,000 minicabs registered and no action form the government to place a cap on their numbers.

Concerns have also been raised regarding accessibility, security, and safeguarding, and the impact that autonomous vehicles could have on the jobs that taxi and private hire firms provide. Liberal Democrat Assembly Member Hina Bokhari said that robotaxis deal a “massive threat” to these jobs, with Addison Lee chief executive, Liam Griffin saying that the livelihoods of drivers may be “on the line,” calling for a minimum price to prevent “predatory pricing” and ort he number of robotaxi permits to be limited in “the first instance.”

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About Author

Fahad Redha

Fahad is the Content Editor at EyeOnLondon, overseeing the publication’s editorial output across news, culture, and lifestyle. With a background in journalism from the University of the Creative Arts, he brings a broad range of experience from local London reporting in Kensington & Chelsea, where he held roles including motoring, events, and health editor. At EyeOnLondon, Fahad plays a central role in shaping content and maintaining editorial standards. His work spans everything from daily news to feature coverage, with a particular strength in motoring and events. He also incorporates photography into his reporting, adding a visual layer to many of his stories. Fahad joined EyeOnLondon in February 2021.