Following the news that Waymo is set to launch its autonomous taxi service in London next year, making it the first European city to do so, new analysis just published doesn’t even place it in the top 10 cities for driverless readiness, with Hull, Southend-on-Sea and Leicester taking the top three places. London is a distant 36th.

By analysing data metrics, including Gigabit Capable Broadband, 5G Rollout and premises above 30Mbps, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts determined which UK cities are the most technologically ready to support the UK Government in its 2026 trial of driverless vehicles and has created an index.

It also ranked cities in terms of how they would benefit.

Keith Hawes, Director of Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, commented:

“The latest Waymo announcement is exciting, but London’s real test will begin when the driverless taxis hit the busy roads. At the moment, driverless taxis operating in the US have the benefit of straighter and wider roads. However, the UK’s ring roads, country lanes and sharp bends are likely to pose greater navigational challenges.”

“Launching robotaxis in the UK is a milestone, but London must now accelerate work on foundational layers. Readiness for this latest automotive innovation isn’t just about the vehicles on the roads – it’s about the ecosystem ready to absorb them.”

He added that public education, new regulations and the how parking spaces are used also need to be considered.

“The most successful UK cities will be the ones that adapt to the AV industry with open arms and preparation and treat it as an opportunity to reinvent travel in a smarter, safer, and more sustainable way.”

The full study and all the cities can be viewed here.

(Pic: Waymo)