UK green lights limited self-driving pilots from 2026

Waymo says it plans to launch robotaxi rides in London next year, pending permits, marking the Google sister company’s first full service outside the U.S. The move builds on its Tokyo testing program with local partners that has focused on mapping and data collection. London’s narrow streets, complex junctions, and medieval layout pose a bigger software challenge than grid-like U.S. cities. UK officials have accelerated the timeline for pilot operations, with limited deployments expected in 2026 before any broader rollout.

Operations model, safety playbook and competition

Waymo will lean on fleet operator Moove to run charging, maintenance and dispatch, mirroring a model it uses in U.S. cities. The company has logged more than 10 million paid rides since 2020 and currently operates in Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Austin and Atlanta, including via the Uber app in some markets. For London, executives say they will apply the same cautious ramp used elsewhere: extensive testing, safety drivers where required, and staged expansions by time of day and district.

Regulators want data first. The transport department plans to analyze the safety record of pilot fleets for about a year before considering wider approvals. That approach reflects lessons from early U.S. deployments, where incidents sparked debates over emergency responses and geofencing. Insurers and city authorities in London are expected to demand clear incident-reporting protocols, remote-operator escalation procedures and curb-space plans around busy rail hubs.

Competition is heating up. UK startup Wayve has announced plans with Uber to operate autonomous rides in the capital once regulations allow. Traditional black-cab groups are also watching closely, pressing for a level playing field on licensing and road access. For passengers, the near-term benefits may be limited to specific corridors at off-peak hours, but operators argue reliability gains—consistent pickup times and 24/7 coverage—will build trust.

The rollout will test whether robotaxis can coexist with London’s pedestrians, cyclists and buses at scale. If early pilots hit safety and reliability targets, London could become a showcase for dense-city autonomy. If not, regulators will likely keep fleets small and tightly geofenced. Either way, the UK’s faster regulatory pathway has made it the most likely beachhead for a European robotaxi market that has struggled to move beyond demos.