London now boasts the UK's first self-driving taxis, with a human backup for safety. Each autonomous vehicle must have a driver ready to take control, despite some smooth rides, a safety driver did intervene during one journey. The fare is currently the same as a standard UberX, with the option only appearing in the app when available. Uber aims to phase them in over several years, while other tech giants like Waymo and Baidu also vie for a UK launch. Safety concerns and regulatory hurdles mean a fully driverless service is unlikely by 2026.

Wayve's technology uses real-time analysis by AI sensors, but incidents like sudden braking illustrate the ongoing challenges. The industry is in a rush, but regulators in the UK are not. Critics call for caution, especially regarding the potential impact on jobs. Waymo already operates without drivers in the US, but for now, London's passengers will have to share the road with human safety drivers.