After securing council seats in Brent for the first time in the May 7 local elections, the Green Party has initiated a campaign against the introduction of driverless taxis in London. Titled 'Say No To Waymo,' the campaign demands a halt to the ongoing 'robotaxi' trial, which the party claims endangers the livelihoods of the capital's 150,000 private hire drivers.
Waymo's London Pilot and Concerns
Last month, Waymo—an American autonomous driving technology company owned by Alphabet Inc, a Google subsidiary—launched a pilot in London, aiming to operate a fully autonomous robotaxi service later this year. However, concerns have escalated following a series of incidents, including a Waymo vehicle that veered into an active crime scene in Harlesden, Brent, on April 22. This incident prompted two Green councillors to launch the campaign, which saw a group of residents and workers gather on Harlesden High Street on May 22.
Green Councillors' Opposition
Brent's new Green councillors are "fiercely opposed" to London being used "as a testing ground for Silicon Valley experiments." They have called on Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan to "prioritise Londoner's jobs and public safety" by stopping the trial. Councillor Amandine Alexandre, representing Harlesden and Kensal Green, stated: "The more we learn about those AI-powered vehicles, the more we are convinced that Londoners have nothing to gain from the introduction of robotaxis. These oversized vehicles are clogging up our roads, collecting tons of energy-consuming data, and taking us one step closer to a future where human interactions become the exception rather than the rule."
In March, New York City paused its robotaxi trials due to a lack of stakeholder support, safety concerns, liability issues, and potential job losses for professional drivers. Councillor Suzanne Gallagher, the Green representative in Kilburn, added: "We are not against innovation that improves our lives and communities, but we are fiercely opposed to our city being used as a testing ground for Silicon Valley experiments. Earlier this year, New York paused Waymo's permits and halted further driverless trials. It is time for Mayor Sadiq Khan to follow the lead of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and prioritise Londoners' jobs and public safety over Big Tech's extractive business model."
Waymo's Presence in Brent
Waymo's depot, its first facility of its kind in the UK, is located in Park Royal, Brent, serving as the operational hub for its driverless Jaguar I-Pace fleet. Brent Council described the company's decision to choose Brent as "a major vote of confidence" in the borough. Council Leader Councillor Muhammed Butt told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that it would be "irresponsible" for the local authority not to engage with a global business "putting significant investment into Park Royal." However, he added: "Engagement is not a blank cheque: it is how we raise residents' concerns and ensure Brent's voice is heard."
Union and Driver Concerns
The App Drivers and Couriers Union (ADCU), representing workers in the platform economy, said the fear of losing their income is "a constant and growing worry at the back of drivers' minds." The ADCU General Secretary stated: "London cannot afford a tech-first, people-last experiment. Any move toward automation must start with rigorous, transparent safety standards, real-world environmental safeguards that reduce total vehicle miles, and protections against oversupply. Most importantly, there must be a just transition for drivers. That means legally enforceable job security, funded retraining, income guarantees during changeover, and a seat at the table for worker-led unions. Our message is simple: no rollout without public consent. And no future that leaves drivers behind."
Mayor's Office and Waymo Response
A spokesperson for the Mayor said Sir Sadiq Khan is "determined to harness the opportunities" presented by new and emerging technologies, including automated vehicles (AV), but also recognises "the potential negative impact" on jobs and the economy and will ensure it is introduced "in a way that works for all Londoners." The vehicles are currently mapping streets with a safety driver and not taking passengers. When the service launches to paying passengers, there will be no human at the wheel. Waymo told the LDRS that scepticism "is natural" but claims this "quickly fades" once people get accustomed to them. A company spokesperson added: "The UK's Automated Vehicles Act 2024 establishes that when a vehicle is operating fully autonomously, liability rests with the manufacturer or software developer. We are engaging with community organisations, borough leaders, and city officials on an ongoing basis to answer questions and address community concerns. We have also established an early dialogue with Labour representatives on specific policy areas."
