Government launches consultation for self-driving vehicle automated passenger services
Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood has launched the consultation process on new laws regulating the permitting of self-driving vehicle passenger services, as part of its next steps towards the rollout of self-driving vehicles potentially from spring 2026.
image: Oxa
While the full implementation of the Automated Vehicles Act is expected in the second half of 2027, the consultation is part of the government’s recently announced plans to fast-track pilots starting in Spring 2026, allowing firms to trial small-scale automated passenger services (APS), bookable via an app and without a safety driver for the first time.
APS permitting is an essential part of the of the Automated Vehicles Act, which will regulate taxi-, private-hire- and bus-like self-driving vehicles.
Government says safety, innovation, world-leading regulation and accessibility are at the forefront of the consultation – with the self-driving vehicles rollout aiming to help reduce human error, which contributes to 88% of all road collisions. Ultimately it says new technology could provide safer and more accessible travel options and boost transport in rural areas, while creating 38,000 jobs and unlocking a £42 billion industry by 2035.
The act will require self-driving vehicles to achieve a level of safety “at least as high as competent and careful human drivers”, and they will undergo rigorous safety tests before being allowed on our roads.
Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said, “Self-driving vehicles are one of the most exciting opportunities to improve transport for so many people, especially those in rural areas or unable to drive. We want to work with passengers and industry to make this new form of transport safe and accessible, as we take our next steps towards adoption.”
Through the consultation, representative groups, industry stakeholders, trade unions and members of the public will be able to make their views heard and influence future government policy over a variety of areas critical for self-driving vehicles to run safely and efficiently.
Gavin Jackson, CEO of Oxa, said “As the first company to trial an autonomous vehicle on UK roads back in 2016, we are delighted to see the UK continuing to progress towards making automated vehicle services a commercial reality.
“The APS scheme will enable the deployment of innovative public transport services that will augment our current transport network, making it easier and more accessible than ever to get around.”