Self-driving cars are shifting from science fiction to reality, and the UK government is asking for your help to get the rollout right. A nationwide conversation has been launched, inviting everyone from industry experts to the general public to share their thoughts on how automated passenger services should work.
Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood has kicked off a public consultation on the rules that will govern these new services. At its core, the discussion is about the official permits for automated passenger services, the legal framework that will regulate self-driving taxis, private hire cars, and bus-like vehicles across the UK.
The government says it’s determined to lead the world in this area, with safety, innovation, and accessibility as its guiding principles. A key hope is that self-driving cars will dramatically cut down on human error, which is a factor in 88 percent of all road accidents in the UK.
Autonomous vehicles could offer reliable transport late at night or provide brand new public transport links for rural communities, boosting local connectivity. For those unable to drive, self-driving cars promise a new level of mobility, independence, and freedom.
This public outreach comes hot on the heels of a government decision to fast-track pilot schemes for these vehicles to spring 2026. This accelerated timeline is intended to spur innovation and growth within the industry.
For the first time, companies will be able to test small-scale services without a human safety driver, potentially allowing the public to book a ride through an app. This will pave the way for a wider rollout once the Automated Vehicles Act comes into full force in the latter half of 2027.
“Self-driving vehicles are one of the most exciting opportunities to improve transport for so many people, especially those in rural areas or unable to drive,” explained Greenwood. “We want to work with passengers and industry to make this new form of transport safe and accessible, as we take our next steps towards adoption.”
Bringing this technology forward is a central part of the government’s ‘Plan for Change’. The move is expected to create 38,000 new jobs, attract investment into Britain’s engineering sector, and cultivate an industry projected to be worth £42 billion by 2035.
“This technology doesn’t just have the potential to improve transport for millions of people,” added Greenwood. “It will help stimulate innovation, create thousands of jobs, and drive investment to put more money in people’s pockets—all part of delivering our Plan for Change.”
The consultation is an opportunity for everyone to have their say. Views from community groups, industry leaders, trade unions, and individuals will directly shape government policy. The government says it’s particularly keen to hear ideas on how to make these vehicles fully accessible for disabled and older people, how local councils should handle the approval of these new services, and what should happen if an operator’s permit needs to be changed, suspended, or even taken away.
Gavin Jackson, the CEO of British autonomous vehicle company Oxa, commented: “As the first company to trial an autonomous vehicle on UK roads back in 2016, we are delighted to see the UK continuing to progress towards making automated vehicle services a commercial reality.
“The APS scheme will enable the deployment of innovative public transport services that will augment our current transport network, making it easier and more accessible than ever to get around.”
This permitting scheme is a major part of the Automated Vehicles Act. The law will ensure that any self-driving vehicle must be at least as safe as a competent and careful human driver, and each one will face stringent safety tests before being allowed on our roads.
The UK has been a hotbed for self-driving trials since 2015, with homegrown companies like Wayve and Oxa leading the charge with major technological advances.
Wayve recently secured an investment of over $1 billion and announced new partnerships with Nissan and Uber. At the same time, Oxa is already supporting bus-style services in the US and has started using its autonomous vehicles at Heathrow Airport to make baggage handling more efficient.
(Photo by Ross Sneddon)
See also: Thousands of Baidu Apollo Go driverless cars to join Uber network
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