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American firm Waymo has announced that its driverless taxis will be operational for hire on London's streets beginning next year.

London Becomes Pioneering European City for Self-Driving Cab Service.

London will be established as the first European city to introduce an autonomous taxi service, akin to those currently operational in multiple US cities and several American cities using Waymo's advanced technology.

First Operations to Commence with Human Specialists.

Waymo confirmed that its vehicles are presently heading to London and will start navigating on the capital's streets in the near future with trained human specialists supervising the vehicles.

Waymo – initially formed as a derivative from the tech giant's self-driving car project and part of the larger corporate umbrella – indicated it would scale up services and work closely with the UK transport authorities and the city's mobility organization to secure the required approvals to offer fully autonomous rides by 2026.

Expanding Presence in Self-Driving Mobility In London.

Further firms, including Uber and the British tech company Wayve, have likewise declared their own intentions to trial self-driving cabs in the capital next year.

This is in response to the UK authorities announcing it would accelerate regulations allowing real-world tests to proceed before legislation supporting self-driving vehicles passes in full.

“I'm delighted that Waymo aims to bring their services to London next year, under our proposed trial program,” said the transport secretary, the secretary.

“Boosting the autonomous vehicle market will enhance accessible travel alternatives while also creating work, capital, and possibilities to the UK. Cutting-edge support like this will assist in achieving our mission to be international frontrunners in advanced innovation and drive economic growth.”

Comprehensive Launch Expected After Automated Vehicles Act Comes into Force.

A more extensive introduction of driverless cabs is anticipated in the UK after the related legislation fully takes effect in the latter part of 2027.

Waymo's Existing Ties in the UK and Beyond.

Waymo currently has ties to the UK after opening its pioneering European research base in Oxford in 2019.

The company is additionally launching operations in Tokyo using JLR electric vehicles, marking its only other existing venture outside the US.

“Evidence confirms how to responsibly scale fully autonomous taxi services, and we look forward to extend the positive impacts of our platform to the United Kingdom,” said Waymo's co-chief executive, explaining that the technology was “improving road safety and mobility more accessible”.

Demonstrated Track Record in the US.

Waymo began its self-driving vehicles in 2020 and now reports it has served over a vast number of riders in the US.

Regardless of some alarming occurrences, Waymo stated that statistics showed that cars driven by people were associated with accidents that hurt people on foot 12 times more often than its self-driving vehicles.