The Mayor of London has made a promise to work with the taxi industry and unions to minimise the impact of driverless vehicle technology on jobs and livelihoods.
The pledge comes after cab drivers called for protection as Waymo prepares to launch its driverless service in the capital, with them warning they might be “run off the road”.
The website Taxi Point spotted the commitment being made in a written response to a Mayor’s Question Time submission from Alex Wilson of Reform UK on 20 November 2025, which asked what effect driverless cars are expected to have on black cabs in London. The final response was published on 4 December after officers completed drafting.
In his answer, Sadiq Khan said there is no real evidence of the impact of automated services on taxi ridership or other modes in London, but that he recognises that they could attract trips away from other services, including taxis and private hire vehicles.
“While we want London to be the global capital of innovation, enterprise and creativity, this must not be at the expense of jobs and livelihoods, and I am committed to working with industry and unions to ensure this technology is introduced in a way that works for all Londoners,” the answer says. “TfL must consent before APS permits can be issued in London and this consent would be based on APS permit applications supporting the objectives of my Transport Strategy.”
(File picture – TfL)
