Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has declared that autonomous vehicles will make Britain's roads safer by eradicating human failings such as road rage, drink-driving, and distractions from passengers.
National Trials Set for 2026
Outlining her vision for the future of travel, the MP for Swindon South confirmed that the UK will launch a series of self-driving vehicle pilot projects across the country in spring 2026. Speaking to Metro, Alexander stated that secondary legislation must first be passed in Parliament to establish a permit system, ensuring the trials are conducted "in a safe and responsible way."
"We do think this could be really, really exciting for the future of travel," she said from her office. While some technology firms have expressed initial interest in trialling vehicles in London, requiring coordination with Transport for London (TfL), the government plans for a wider national rollout.
Safety First: The Autonomous Advantage
Alexander, who has personally experienced a ride in a driverless car, argued that the technology is "probably more cautious than a human driver." She cited a specific example where, faced with a cyclist, an oncoming bus, and roadworks, the autonomous vehicle chose to hang back where a human might have tried to squeeze past.
"They are not going to be distracted by the kids having an argument in the back seat and they are not going to drink-drive or get road rage," Alexander emphasised, positioning the technology as a significant consumer safety benefit.
Addressing Data and Public Trust Concerns
The minister's comments follow announcements from Uber and Lyft about partnerships with Chinese tech giant Baidu to test its Apollo Go robotaxi platform in London. This has raised questions about data security with foreign firms.
Alexander insisted the government will enforce the "highest standards of safety," which explicitly includes robust protections for user data and privacy. However, public scepticism remains high. A recent Metro poll indicated a significant hurdle for adoption, with two-thirds of readers stating they would not ride a robotaxi.
Broader Transport Reforms in Motion
The push for autonomous vehicles coincides with other major government transport initiatives. Alexander confirmed that the launch of the publicly owned Great British Railways (GBR) is proceeding, with several operators already nationalised and more to come before its spring launch.
She also highlighted that a freeze on regulated rail fares will "make a big difference" to commuters, a move she tied to the re-nationalisation of rail services. Furthermore, plans to expand both Heathrow and Gatwick airports by 2029 are expected to be finalised soon.
While the government is bullish on a driverless future, the success of the 2026 trials will be crucial in convincing a wary public of the technology's promised safety and reliability.
