More Londoners oppose the introduction of autonomous passenger vehicles in the capital than support it, with concerns over road safety, technical failures and how companies handle personal data emerging as significant barriers to public acceptance.
A YouGov survey of more than 1,000 Londoners, commissioned by the London Assembly Transport Committee, found that 42% opposed the use of autonomous passenger vehicles (APVs), compared with 29% who supported their introduction.
The findings come as several companies, including Uber, Lyft and UK-based Wayve, seek regulatory approval to carry passengers in London, potentially as soon as this year.
Although autonomous passenger vehicles have yet to be rolled out commercially in the UK, the survey suggests operators face a significant challenge in convincing the public of the benefits and safety of driverless transport.
Less than 30% of Londoners said they would be likely to use an autonomous passenger vehicle if the service were available.
The survey identified the ability of autonomous vehicles to respond to unexpected situations, including emergencies, as the most frequently cited concern, mentioned by 48% of respondents.
Road danger was another major issue, cited by 41%, while 39% expressed concern about potential system or technical failures.
The findings highlight the importance of public confidence in the technology’s ability to operate safely in complex urban environments, where vehicles must interact with pedestrians, cyclists, other road users and unpredictable traffic conditions.
Trust in operators’ handling of personal information also appears limited. Just 17% of Londoners said they trusted companies providing autonomous passenger services a great deal or a fair amount to collect and analyse their personal data.
With companies pursuing regulatory approval for autonomous passenger services, the survey provides an indication of the public concerns that may need to be addressed as the technology moves closer to commercial operation in the capital.
The full survey findings are available in the London Assembly Transport Committee’s report HERE.
(Picture: Olga Gonzalez)
