London may limit the number of robotaxis on streets
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has proposed limiting the number of robotaxis in the city ahead of the launch of driverless transportation in the UK.
The capital's leader believes that the technology could impact employment and worsen traffic congestion, and that existing regulations require revision, reports The Guardian.
The statement came after the presentation of Chinese robotaxis, which the company Freenow by Lyft is testing in London. The service plans to launch fully driverless Baidu vehicles next year as part of the national licensing system. Currently, around 24 Baidu Apollo Go cars are being tested in the London borough of Brent.
In September, Uber began limited passenger rides in driverless Wayve vehicles, though a driver-operator remains behind the wheel. According to Khan, London needs powers to limit the spread of robotaxis. Currently, Transport for London can only permit or ban the use of fully autonomous vehicles but does not regulate or license such services.
The mayor noted that London differs from San Francisco: it is a city of nearly 10 million residents, consisting of many districts with narrow streets. He also highlighted the need to assess the impact of robotaxis on air quality, road congestion, and the incomes of taxi drivers.
