Baidu’s Apollo Go service already operates in several cities, mainly in China, where it has completed millions of passenger journeys without a human driver. If approved, the UK trials would represent the first large-scale use of Chinese-developed robotaxis in Europe, placing London among key global hubs working toward autonomous mobility.
The UK government has welcomed the development. Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said the announcement supports Britain’s plans for self-driving vehicles and confirmed that the government is preparing to allow autonomous cars to carry passengers under a pilot scheme starting in spring. The Department for Transport is developing regulations to enable small autonomous taxi- and bus-style services from 2026, with an emphasis on responsible and safe deployment.
Uber has said it plans to begin UK driverless car trials as regulations evolve, partnering with Baidu to help position Britain as a leader in future transport while offering Londoners another travel option. Lyft has also expressed interest, stating that London could become the first European city to host Baidu’s Apollo Go vehicles as part of a broader agreement covering the UK and Germany.
Despite enthusiasm from companies and policymakers, regulatory approval remains a major challenge. Lyft chief executive David Risher said that, if approved, testing could begin in London in 2026 with a small fleet of robotaxis, eventually scaling to hundreds. Experts caution, however, that autonomous transport systems cannot expand as quickly as other digital technologies.
Jack Stilgoe, professor of science and technology policy at University College London, warned that moving from limited trials to a fully operational transport system is complex. He stressed the importance of addressing safety, governance, and public trust before autonomous taxis can become widely used.
Public scepticism remains strong. A YouGov poll in October found that nearly 60 percent of UK respondents would not ride in a driverless taxi under any circumstances, while 85 percent would prefer a human-driven cab if price and convenience were the same. Ongoing reports of autonomous vehicle errors, traffic disruptions, and service suspensions have added to concerns. Critics also warn that poorly regulated robotaxis could worsen congestion, undermining London’s efforts to reduce city-centre traffic.
