Waymo to Launch Fully Autonomous Robotaxis in London in 2026
Waymo has announced plans to bring its fully autonomous robotaxi service to the United Kingdom in 2026, with an initial rollout planned for London. The company has named mobility firm Moove as its fleet operations partner and is working with local and national UK authorities to secure permissions under the new Automated Vehicles Act 2024.
The UK’s legislation is expected to enable robotaxi pilots from Spring 2026, paving the way for the country’s first fully driverless taxi services. Waymo — which already operates in the US and runs engineering hubs in London and Oxford — said its technology can significantly reduce the risk of injury-causing collisions compared with human drivers.
Key points:
- Planned launch: London, UK — 2026.
- Fleet partner: Moove will manage local fleet operations.
- Regulatory framework: Automated Vehicles Act 2024 and government-facilitated pilots from Spring 2026.
- Local context: London’s narrow, complex streets present a significant technical challenge for driverless vehicles.
- Support & partnerships: Waymo has UK engineering hubs and a partnership with Jaguar Land Rover for electric taxis; the RNIB has welcomed the potential accessibility benefits.
- Competition: Uber and Wayve are also preparing pilots in the UK around the same timeframe.
Why this matters: If successful, a Waymo robotaxi rollout in London could accelerate wider adoption of autonomous mobility in the UK and improve transport access for people with visual impairments and reduced mobility. However, the city’s legacy street layout and busy mixed traffic environment will be an early test of how well fully driverless systems can operate in dense urban settings.
For more details, see coverage of the announcement here, and Waymo’s official site here.
Discussion: Do you trust driverless taxis to navigate a city like London — would you try one when they arrive?