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The US-based firm Waymo has declared that its autonomous taxis will be available for booking on London's streets starting next year.

UK Capital Named as Pioneering European City for Self-Driving Cab Service.

The UK capital will emerge as the pioneering European city to launch an self-driving taxi service, comparable with those currently in use in San Francisco and four other American urban centers employing Waymo's innovative systems.

First Testing Phase to Start with Safety Drivers.

Waymo confirmed that its cars are now heading to London and will start driving on the capital's streets in the near future with safety drivers in control.

Waymo – initially established as a spin-off from the tech giant's autonomous vehicle project and belonging to the same parent group – stated it would scale up services and partner with the government transport body and Transport for London to acquire the necessary licenses to deliver totally self-driving trips by 2026.

Increasing Involvement in Self-Driving Mobility Across London.

Other companies, including Uber and the UK-based tech company Wayve, have likewise announced their own plans to pilot self-driving cabs in the capital next year.

This is in response to the government officials stating it would accelerate guidelines allowing public testing to take place before regulation enabling self-driving vehicles becomes law in full.

“It is exciting that Waymo aims to bring their services to London next year, under our suggested trial program,” stated the government minister, Heidi Alexander.

“Boosting the AV industry will enhance available mobility choices alongside generating employment, investment, and possibilities to the UK. Cutting-edge support like this will support our mission to be international frontrunners in advanced innovation and lead economic growth.”

Comprehensive Rollout Anticipated After New Legislation Takes Effect.

A more extensive introduction of self-driving vehicles is projected in the UK after the new law comes completely into force in 2027.

Waymo's Established Ties in the United Kingdom and Internationally.

Waymo presently has connections to the UK after establishing its inaugural European engineering hub in Oxford in 2019.

It is also introducing offerings in Tokyo using JLR eco-friendly cars, marking its second existing venture outside the United States.

“Evidence confirms how to effectively grow fully autonomous transport solutions, and we look forward to expand the benefits of our technology to the United Kingdom,” said Waymo's co-chief executive, noting that the innovation was “improving road safety and mobility more available”.

Proven Track Record in the United States.

Waymo began its autonomous vehicles in 2020 and currently reports it has served in excess of ten million riders in the United States.

In spite of some alarming events, Waymo stated that data showed that cars operated by humans were linked to incidents that injured walkers at a much higher rate than its self-driving cars.