8legs: Waymo

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US robotaxis undergo training for London’s quirks before planned rollout this year

Waymo is actively testing a London-based fleet of around 24 robotaxis to learn the city’s quirks, including zebra crossings, ahead of a wider rollout later in 2026.
Britain plans a passenger piloting scheme this spring to allow limited robotaxi services across Great Britain, subject to safety rules and local approval.
Regulators emphasize ensuring safety and cybersecurity as Waymo prepares London testing and a potential late-2026 rollout.
Waymo positions autonomous cars as potentially safer than human drivers by avoiding fatigue, distraction, and intoxication.
During initial trials, Waymo’s London vehicles operate with a safety driver while a broader, passenger-ready pilot is planned for later in the year.
London’s map and sensor data are gathered via camera, radar, lidar, and a powerful onboard computer to decide actions in real time.
Local taxi groups, such as LTDA, oppose the rollout, warning about safety and the broader impact on traditional cab drivers.
Britain aims to balance innovation with local authority safety checks before widespread deployment, signaling a cautious regulatory path.
Waymo argues robotaxis could be safer and more reliable than human taxis, highlighting efficiency and consistent performance.
The broader London rollout timeline is tied to regulatory clearance, with potential passenger operations starting by April and wider use by late 2026.

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