London Assembly examines TfL’s role as autonomous taxi services move closer to London deployment

The London Assembly is seeking clarity on how Transport for London (TfL) will handle the arrival of autonomous passenger services as the capital prepares for the first licensing applications under the Government’s new Automated Vehicles Act 2024.

Assembly members say London needs a clear, practical understanding of TfL’s responsibilities before “robocabs” begin operating on the city’s roads. While TfL remains the licensing authority for traditional taxi and private hire services, its role for autonomous passenger services is different: TfL is currently a consenting authority, not the licensing authority. Under the new regime, the Drivers and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) — acting for the Secretary of State for Transport — will issue, vary, suspend or withdraw permits for automated passenger services.

In a letter to the Assembly’s Transport Committee on 23 June, the Department for Transport confirmed that TfL and London boroughs will be responsible for considering “local impacts and suitability” when operators apply to run autonomous services in the capital. This includes assessing how services might affect congestion, road danger, accessibility, passenger safety, cybersecurity, and Londoners’ transport choices.

The Transport Committee will explore these issues in detail at its meeting on Tuesday 14 July. Members will question TfL on its engagement with prospective operators and any work undertaken to understand how autonomous services could support the Mayor’s Transport Strategy targets.