tech
February 2, 2026
Self-driving taxis are coming to London – should we be worried?
Waymo’s cars were first rolled out in San Francisco, but the English capital’s old roads, pelican crossings and jaywalkers may pose issues for AI
TL;DR
- The 19th-century shift from horses to cars brought cleaner streets but also accidents, pollution, and sprawl.
- The dominance of cars in US cities was a result of industry lobbying, not inevitable technological progress.
- Waymo plans to launch driverless cars in London by the end of 2026, highlighting potential safety and cost benefits.
- Waymo's US operations have had a good safety record but some operational issues, like traffic jams and minor incidents.
- London's road layout, pedestrian-friendly culture, and existing public transport strategies differ from US cities, potentially complicating AI navigation.
- Concerns exist that self-driving cars could undermine London's success in reducing central car use and promoting active travel.
- Key questions remain about public tolerance for errors, transparency of the technology, and equitable distribution of benefits.
- Public expectations are likely to be high for safety, transparency, and equity, with UK cities having a regulatory say.
- There are concerns about companies hoarding data, making independent safety assessments difficult.
- The article warns against being swayed by hype and emphasizes the need to avoid repeating past mistakes with new technology.
Continue reading the original article