Autonomous vehicle services are set to launch on public roads in England from spring 2026, following the government’s decision to fast-track pilot schemes.
The move, confirmed on 10 June 2025, aims to support economic growth, attract investment, and lay the groundwork for broader deployment.
The trials will allow companies to operate small-scale self-driving services without a safety driver for the first time. These app-based taxi- and bus-style services will be introduced in select areas as part of a phased approach to wider adoption.
The pilots will test the technology’s readiness for everyday use and aim to demonstrate its potential to enhance road safety and mobility.
This initiative forms part of the UK’s broader transport strategy, with government projections suggesting that the automated vehicle (AV) sector could support up to 38,000 jobs and contribute 42 billion GBP to the economy by 2035.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:The future of transport is arriving. Self-driving cars could bring jobs, investment, and the opportunity for the UK to be among the world-leaders in new technology.
With road safety at the heart of our pilots and legislation, we continue to take bold steps to create jobs, back British industry, and drive innovation to deliver our Plan for Change.
The recently passed Automated Vehicles Act sets out the legal framework for self-driving technology in the UK. Under the Act, autonomous vehicles must demonstrate safety standards at least equal to those of competent and careful human drivers before being deployed without supervision.
Unlike human drivers, AVs are not affected by fatigue, distraction or alcohol, and are expected to reduce collisions caused by human error, which currently accounts for around 88% of accidents. Developers are training the systems using a combination of real-world data and simulated driving scenarios.
Self-driving vehicles are also expected to support wider access to transport, particularly in rural and underserved areas, and may improve mobility for people who cannot drive due to age or disability.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said:We can’t afford to take a back seat on AI, unless it’s on a self-driving bus. It’s great to see the UK storming ahead as a global leader in using this technology – making our roads safer, travel easier and driving growth by spurring innovation across the country.
That’s why we’re bringing timelines forward today, placing the UK firmly in the fast lane and creating opportunity along the way so people across the country benefit.
British firms including Wayve and Oxa are among the companies involved in advancing self-driving technologies. Wayve recently announced partnerships with Nissan and Uber and has secured over 1 billion USD in investment. Oxa, which has tested AV technology in the US, is also involved in trials at Heathrow Airport.
The announcement coincides with London Tech Week and supports the government’s wider Transport AI action plan, which outlines the role of artificial intelligence in reducing congestion, supporting infrastructure, and enabling future mobility solutions.
