UK Delays Driverless Car Approval to 2027

Uber has announced it is ready to introduce driverless robotaxis in the UK, but the government now expects regulatory approval for fully unmanned vehicles to come no earlier than the second half of 2027, a year later than previously planned. The Department for Transport has delayed approval to address road safety and legal liability concerns related to autonomous vehicle accidents. Although self-driving cars with human safety drivers are being trialed in the UK, full deployment will require further legislation. Uber is collaborating with 18 technology partners, including Wayve, and already operates robotaxis in the US, China, UAE, and Singapore. Public skepticism about the safety of autonomous vehicles remains high in the UK, partly due to incidents and recalls abroad. The government is considering additional short-term trials and pilots to ensure a safe and robust rollout.