Self-driving taxis can hit UK roads much sooner than first planned

TechnologyCars
10 Jun 2025 • 8:24 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Self-driving taxis and bus services will be allowed on England's roads by spring 2026, according to the Department for Transport (DfT).
  • This initiative marks the first time UK companies can trial autonomous commercial services without a human driver.
  • The implementation is scheduled a year earlier than initially planned.
  • The full enactment of the Automated Vehicles Act, expected in the latter half of 2027, will permit the sale and use of self-driving private cars.
  • It is estimated that the development of automated vehicle technology could create 38,000 jobs in the UK and add £42 billion to the economy by 2035.

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