TL;DR
- The UK government has delayed the rollout of fully autonomous vehicles to 2027.
- Uber claims it is prepared to launch driverless taxis now, pending regulatory approval.
- Current UK laws require a human driver to be present in vehicles with automated features.
- Uber is collaborating with multiple tech firms and is advocating for a quicker regulatory environment.
UK Driverless Cars Coming in 2027 - But Uber Says It's Ready Now
In a major shift in the landscape of transportation, the UK government has announced that fully autonomous vehicles are not expected to be on the roads until mid-2027. This new timeline pushed back the previous target of 2026 set by the prior Conservative administration. Meanwhile, ride-hailing giant Uber has declared it is equipped to deploy driverless cars immediately, pending the necessary government approvals.
Uber's Readiness and Government Delays
Andrew Macdonald, Uber's senior vice president of mobility, emphasized that the company is ready to roll out driverless taxis in the UK as soon as regulations permit. "We're ready to launch robotaxis in the UK as soon as the regulatory environment is ready for us," Macdonald asserted, showcasing Uber's partnerships with 18 self-driving technology companies, including the UK-based firm Wayve[^1].
Despite Uber's readiness, the UK Department for Transport confirmed that it would implement legislation for self-driving vehicles in the second half of 2027. This delay comes as the regulatory framework is still being finalized, a process complicated by concerns regarding safety, insurance, and liability when it comes to autonomous driving[^2][^3].
Current Regulatory Landscape
Currently, limited self-driving technologies are permitted on UK roads, but they mandate that a human operator remain in control of the vehicle. This regulatory barrier reflects broader concerns from the public, with a 2024 YouGov poll indicating that 37% of UK residents would feel "very unsafe" in a driverless car[^2][^3].
The UK government asserts that the legislation regarding autonomous vehicles is projected to create over 38,000 jobs by 2035 and improve road safety by minimizing human error, which is responsible for about 88% of collisions[^4].
Challenges Ahead
While Uber and other stakeholders remain optimistic about the future of autonomous driving technology, skepticism persists. Concerns regarding passenger safety, public acceptance, and the adaptability of existing road networks—especially in densely populated areas like London—have prompted calls for thorough trials and pilot programs before full implementation.
In the US, Uber's driverless vehicles typically operate up to 20 hours per day, leveraging advanced technologies while maintaining a user experience comparable to human drivers. However, the UK landscape differs, with significant gaps in public trust and mixed reactions from the workforce impacted by potential job losses in the driving sector[^4][^5].
Conclusion
The anticipated arrival of driverless cars in the UK is set against a backdrop of cautious optimism. With Uber eager to launch its autonomous services and the government aiming to ensure safety and public confidence, the next few years will undoubtedly be critical in shaping the future of transportation in Britain. As the country moves toward 2027, stakeholders will need to collaborate closely to bridge the gap between technological readiness and regulatory acceptance.
References
[^1]: Uber 'ready to launch' driverless cars in UK (2025). The Independent. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
[^2]: UK driverless cars unlikely until 2027 - Uber says it's ready now (2025). BBC News. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
[^3]: Uber waiting for driverless taxis to get UK approval (2025). China Daily. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
[^4]: Driverless taxis ready for UK roads NOW as Uber's cabs of the future (2025). The Sun. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
[^5]: UK driverless cars coming in 2027, but Uber says it's ready now (2025). BBC News. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
Keywords: UK, driverless cars, Uber, autonomous vehicles, regulations, transportation, road safety, technology
