Driverless taxis are already on London's streets, and soon you'll be able to ride one. Image: Londonist
Driverless vehicles have existed in London in one form or other since the 1960s. But things are about to step up a few notches, as robotaxis become legal on the capital's streets. When exactly is this happening? Who are the companies behind them? And are London's crop of human taxi drivers quaking in their cabs?
What exactly is a driverless car?
There are six levels of automated car, level zero being fully dependent on a human driver, and the highest levels being where the tech is in control with very little (level four) or no need (level five) for human intervention.
Level four vehicles are already operating in some parts of the United States, but in the UK, we're not yet at level three. That's on the cusp of changing, thanks to the Automated Vehicles Act of 2024. Trials are already taking place across London, and in the second half of 2027, the Act will be fully implemented, meaning driverless taxis will be roaming the streets.
