The taxi app company Uber and autonomous technology developer Wayve have received the first minicab licences in London, permitting them to offer self-driving taxi rides to paying customers. These services will initially include a human safety driver.
The companies have stated that trips in the UK are set to commence "later this summer" ahead of a full public launch. Transport for London (TfL) granted 15 private hire vehicle licences for Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles, which are equipped with Wayve's artificial intelligence driving software, surround cameras, and radar.
A TfL-licensed private hire driver will be present in the driver's seat during these trips to intervene if necessary, although the software is expected to control the car. TfL confirmed that the companies met the required safety standards and will monitor the use of the vehicles.