Transport for London (TfL) has issued Private Hire Vehicle licences for a fleet of fully electric Ford Mustang Mach-E models modified by Wayve for autonomous driving. The vehicles are equipped with Wayve’s AI Driver, as well as surround-view cameras and radar. They have undergone inspections by TfL to confirm compliance with the transport authority’s standards.
The licensing of these vehicles meets the ‘triple lock’ requirement for private hire journeys, including those operated by ride-hailing services. This requirement stipulates that the operator, driver, and vehicle must all hold licences from the same regulatory authority. The journeys will operate under the UK’s AV Trialling Code of Practice and Uber’s TfL licence.
Safety driver must remain on board in London
While Wayve’s vehicles are designed to operate autonomously and conduct journeys independently, a trained and TfL-licensed safety driver must remain on board for now. Their role is to monitor the trip, provide assistance, or take control of the vehicle if necessary.
Interest in robotaxis among London’s population is high, with over 100,000 people joining Uber’s waiting list in the past eight weeks. Selected users from this list are expected to participate in initial test rides this summer, allowing them to experience the service ahead of its official public launch.
