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The US-based company Waymo has revealed that its driverless vehicles will be on offer for hire on London's thoroughfares beginning next year.

London Becomes First European City for Autonomous Taxi Service.

The UK capital will become the pioneering European city to launch an driverless taxi service, similar to those currently operational in San Francisco and four other American cities using Waymo's advanced technology.

Preliminary Testing Phase to Begin with Trained Operators.

Waymo confirmed that its vehicles are currently en route to London and will start navigating on the city's streets in the near future with experienced operators supervising the vehicles.

Waymo – originally established as a spin-off from the tech giant's autonomous vehicle initiative and part of the larger corporate umbrella – stated it would scale up activities and collaborate with the Department for Transport and the city's mobility organization to secure the necessary approvals to offer totally self-driving trips by 2026.

Growing Interest in Autonomous Mobility In London.

Further companies, such as Uber and the UK-based technology firm Wayve, have likewise revealed their own plans to trial self-driving taxis in the capital next year.

This comes after the government officials stating it would fast-track rules permitting public testing to occur before regulation enabling driverless transport passes in full.

“I'm delighted that Waymo plans to launch their technology to London next year, under our suggested trial program,” stated the transport secretary, Heidi Alexander.

“Boosting the autonomous vehicle market will enhance inclusive transport options alongside bringing jobs, capital, and prospects to the UK. Advanced support like this will assist in achieving our mission to be international frontrunners in new technology and spearhead economic growth.”

Comprehensive Introduction Expected After Automated Vehicles Act Comes into Force.

A more extensive introduction of self-driving vehicles is anticipated in the UK after the related legislation fully takes effect in 2027.

Waymo's Existing Presence in the United Kingdom and Internationally.

Waymo already has connections to Britain after opening its first European engineering hub in Oxford in 2019.

The company is additionally launching operations in Tokyo using JLR EVs, marking its second current operation beyond the US.

“Evidence confirms how to safely expand completely driverless taxi services, and we are eager to extend the benefits of our platform to the UK,” remarked Waymo's co-chief executive, adding that the technology was “making roads safer and mobility more inclusive”.

Proven Track Record in the US.

Waymo introduced its driverless taxis in 2020 and presently claims it has transported more than ten million customers in the US.

Despite some alarming occurrences, Waymo asserted that data showed that cars controlled by humans were associated with crashes that hurt pedestrians significantly more frequently than its autonomous fleet.