POLL: As driverless taxis hit the road, would you ever ride in one?

The first driverless taxis hit the streets of London today, and are equally lauded as the future of transport or feared as a dangerous prospect.

Uber and artificial intelligence firm Wayve became the first to roll out the vehicles, beating rivals Waymo and Baidu, who are both still testing on the capital's streets.

For now, at least, a safety driver remains behind the wheel of Uber's 15-strong fleet, poised to intervene if necessary.

Firms have made no secret of their aim to ultimately have completely autonomous taxis roaming the capital's streets.

But many have concerns over a series of incidents involving similar schemes in the US, including a beloved cat being struck and killed by one-such vehicle in California last year.