A fleet of driverless taxis could begin operating on London's roads later this year, thanks to American company Waymo. However, doubts have been cast over the planned rollout amid safety fears, following the collision of a Waymo car with an active crime scene in Harlesden, North London, last month.
Safety Concerns and Regulatory Hurdles
The service is currently trying to get official safety authorisation before it can get the green light to pick up passengers. Back in January, the Mirror was amongst the first to receive an exclusive preview of Waymo's AI-powered self-driving taxis. Waymo, owned by technology giant Google, insists its technology has the potential to significantly reduce traffic collisions and injuries to pedestrians and cyclists. However, journey costs will exceed those of traditional Uber rides and black cabs driven by humans.
Waymo's Vision for London
Waymo suggests its service will attract those concerned about being driven by a person - particularly citing women travelling at night - alongside others who value privacy. Nicole Gavel, Waymo's senior director and head of business development and strategic partnerships, said: 'Our goal is to be the world's most trusted driver. We believe we can improve road safety meaningfully.' She additionally described travelling in one of its vehicles as a 'magical experience.' Nevertheless, the service will result in additional vehicles on the roads. Waymo currently operates 1,000 vehicles in San Francisco and 700 in Los Angeles, where the Mirror tested the service. Both American cities have smaller populations than London. The firm did not dismiss the possibility of its self-driving taxis appearing in other British cities and towns in the future.
Competition and Technical Capabilities
This development coincides with competitor Uber also launching robotaxi trials across London. Waymo executives have asserted that their advanced vehicles are equipped to handle Britain's distinctly challenging conditions, from intricate road networks to persistent rainfall. The technology is engineered to continuously scan the vehicle's surroundings, with the firm maintaining it can anticipate unexpected incidents, such as a pedestrian stepping out from behind a bus. The firm's technology has been installed in a fleet of electric Jaguar I-Pace vehicles. 'It has a super human level of perception,' claimed Ben Loewenstein, head of policy and government affairs for Waymo in UK and Europe.
Criticism and Skepticism
However, others have been doubtful about the rollout, even before last month's incident brought up fresh safety concerns. Steve McNamara, general secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association, asked: 'Are people who don't trust a robot to cut their grass going to trust one to take kids to school?' GMB national secretary Andy Prendergast told the BBC last year there were 'significant social implications' from driverless cars and taxis - including on unemployment - that should be fully considered. Tesla's self-driving software has been involved in numerous collisions in the US, including one fatal incident.
First-Hand Experience in a Waymo Vehicle
The Mirror's Graham Hiscott, who gave a Waymo taxi a try back in January, said: 'It's plush, hi-tech and - crucially at this stage - not moving. From the outside, one of Waymo's first London taxis stands out like a sore thumb, with its large contraption on top and cameras in different spots.' He added: 'That said, from the inside it looks and feels like any other fancy motor, with its leather seats. But the touch screen tablet in the rear and other gizmos give a clue that you are sat in something very different. In case you were wondering, upfront it also looks like any other car with its steering wheel (albeit on the left).'
In the current phase of testing, human drivers remain fully in control, but future phases would see human drivers sitting in the passenger seat. Graham said: 'It will only be when - or if - Waymo gets the go-ahead for a fully driverless experience that the technology will truly come to life.' He added: 'Waymo and other firms developing similar know-how are banking on Brits taking to it like those in American cities. Doubtless there will be a rush of people waiting to boast they've taken a driverless ride. But time will tell how many will be willing to fork out what could be a chunky premium.'
