A future with self‑driving electric cars in the UK looks increasingly close as the government moves towards autonomous vehicles. With the Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood launching a consultation on the Automated Passenger Services (APS) permitting scheme, we are entering a decisive era for self‑driving transport. This will pave the way for publicly accessible AV taxis and shuttle services by spring 2026.
A Turning Point: APS Permitting Consultation
On 21 July 2025, Greenwood kicked off a public consultation on the APS permitting scheme and draft statutory instrument. This will regulate taxi, private-hire, and bus-like services of self‑driving vehicles in Great Britain.
The scheme aims to fast-track trials of driverless passenger services without safety drivers. This will open up pilots to the public and potentially rolling out commercially by the second half of 2027 under the Automated Vehicles Act.
Estimates by the government suggest the initiative could create 38,000 jobs adding £42 billion to the UK economy by 2035.
Inspiration from Abroad: LA and Beyond
The UK is not alone. In cities like Los Angeles, Waymo One, an electric, self‑driving taxi service, has been operating autonomously across more than 120 square miles, from Santa Monica to Echo Park. All on a 24/7 cycle.
By May 2025, Waymo expanded into new LA neighbourhoods, most recently including Playa del Rey, Ladera Heights, Silver Lake and beyond, covering about 250 square miles.
Tesla has also launched a robotaxi pilot, and both companies are vying for dominance in this emerging market.
Safety data strongly supports this shift. Waymo’s fully driverless service operates at SAE Level 4 autonomy. This has achieved up to 93% fewer pedestrian injury crashes compared to human-driven cars.
In Los Angeles alone, their robotaxis have driven nearly 10 million miles, resulting in 88% fewer serious injury crashes.
Barriers & Lessons for the UK
The UK can learn much from these deployments. Waymo’s global expansion demonstrates how self‑driving electric cars can integrate into urban mobility networks.
Yet challenges remain: in LA, services were temporarily suspended amid protests that damaged vehicles and raised safety concerns. This is something that Waymo takes very seriously and has aimed to address.
In the UK, public consultation is key. The APS governance model prioritises safety, innovation and accessibility, including rural deployment, to ensure self‑driving electric cars serve diverse communities without causing disruption.
Opportunities & Innovation
Once the APS pilots launch in spring 2026, Brits could hail self‑driving electric cars via smartphone apps, akin to Waymo in LA or Cruise and Zoox in US metros. These vehicles, likely fully electric SUVs or shuttles, promise reduced emissions, increased mobility during unsociable hours, and greater access in rural areas.
Progress in the UK reflects global momentum: Chinese services like Baidu’s Apollo Go now operate fleets in over a hundred cities without safety drivers, and European trials are underway. The APS framework aims to position the UK as a world leader in autonomous, low-carbon mobility.
The Road Ahead
By 2027, once the Automated Vehicles Act fully takes effect, we can anticipate commercial roll-outs of self‑driving electric cars in the UK, initially in pilot zones before expanding nationwide. Beyond urban centres like London and Manchester, rural testbeds will show how automated shuttles can close transport gaps.
If global data holds true, such as Waymo’s significant safety improvements, the UK’s roads will become greener, safer, and more accessible. Olivia Greenwood’s consultation marks the starting line for a transport revolution in Britain. Feedback is open until 28 September 2025, giving citizens and industry an active role in shaping this future.
In Summary
The future of self‑driving electric cars in the UK is not science fiction, it’s just around the corner. With APS pilots slated for spring 2026 and full roll-out by late 2027, the UK is embracing a transport revolution inspired by success tales in Los Angeles and beyond. As Lilian Greenwood charts this course, public input will ensure the journey is safe, sustainable and accessible for all.
*All information correct as of 14 August 2025
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