00:00Uber has declared itself ready to roll out driverless taxis in London, but the UK government has pushed back its timeline for legalising fully autonomous vehicles.
00:12While the previous administration had targeted 2026 for the widespread use of self-driving cars on British roads,
00:20the Department for Transport now says the necessary legislation is likely to be in place in the second half of 2027.
00:28Currently, some self-driving technologies are permitted on UK roads, but a human driver must remain behind the wheel and legally responsible for the vehicle at all times.
00:41However, advanced testing is already underway in London. Uber's senior vice president of mobility, Andrew McDonald, said that the company was now ready to launch robo-taxis in the UK as soon as regulatory environment is ready.
00:58He added that Uber is actively working with 18 different self-driving technology firms, including Wave, to prepare for deployment in cities like London.
01:09Now, Uber does already operate robo-taxi services in the United States, as well as in China, the United Arab Emirates and Singapore.
01:19With London's complex road network, high traffic density and status as a global tech and transport hub,
01:25the capital is expected to be at the forefront of any national rollout.
01:31But would Londoners get in driverless taxis?
01:35I found that it's very futuristic for me. I always like to engage with the driver, and I don't think that's a very good move.
01:43It's the same with the supermarkets. We're losing that sense of community or even talking with a lady on the checkout.
01:49Now, it's the same kind of thing. Everything is becoming very mechanical and robotic, and I don't think it's very positive, personally.
01:58I would. I'm all for it. Like, I feel driverless cars get treated as a bit of a double standard against drivers.
02:06Like, yes, there have been some accidents, but far less than there have been with human drivers.
02:11And so I think the technology, it feels like it's almost there.
02:14And for one, I'd practice while I preach. I'd get in one.
02:17I don't know. I'm not sure on that one. It's just the thought of not being a driver.
02:23And, I mean, we're moving, we're advancing in the tech age now, so things are going to change.
02:29But I'm still stuck with driverless drivers. It's like having a driverless plane.
02:35It's a little bit like, whoa!
02:37Yeah, that would be...
02:39Do you know what I mean? It's like, it'll be cars today and planes tomorrow.
02:42But, I mean, you know, if it's progressing and it works and it's safe, then go for it.
02:45Yes, I think it's a shame. I think it's nice to have competition so people can afford to have to go to the Black Cup.
02:51But I think it's part of the character of London.
02:54And to lose that, it's not very... It's very negative, I believe.
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