Self-driving vehicles may appear on UK roads in the coming months, as the Labour government advances new legislation. Under the proposed framework, autonomous taxi, private-hire, and bus services could begin public deployment as early as next March, following accelerated pilot programs.
The move follows the government’s launch of a public consultation on the Automated Passenger Services (APS) permitting scheme, designed to gather input on the regulation of self-driving vehicles. The consultation will explore key areas such as safety, technological innovation, accessibility, and the development of ‘world-leading’ regulatory standards.
Officials believe the wider use of autonomous vehicles could lead to a significant reduction in road accidents.
Under the new plans, small-scale pilot services without a safety driver will be launched for the first time, with users able to book rides via an app. These pilots are expected to take place ahead of the full rollout of the Automated Vehicles Act, scheduled for the second half of 2027.
Minister for the Future of Roads, Lilian Greenwood, stated that self-driving vehicles represent one of the most promising innovations for improving transportation, particularly for individuals in rural communities or those unable to drive. “We want to work with passengers and industry to make this new form of transport safe and accessible as we take our next steps towards adoption,” she added.
The Department for Transport (DfT) also confirmed to the BBC that it is accelerating efforts to bring autonomous vehicles to UK roads, with legislation expected to be enacted in the latter half of 2027.
Multiple companies are actively trialing advanced autonomous vehicle technology across the UK, including British tech company Wayve. Meanwhile, Uber has announced its readiness to introduce driverless ‘robotaxis’ in the UK, signaling its ongoing operations in the United States.
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