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Waymo Starts Autonomous Road Tests in London With Safety Drivers

The tests position Waymo to seek UK approval for a 2026 robotaxi launch.

Overview

  • Waymo is now running its self-driving system on London streets with trained safety operators in Jaguar I‑Pace electric cars.
  • The company advanced to autonomous runs after months of manual mapping drives that captured London’s tight streets and complex junctions.
  • Data from the London routes feeds into simulation to replay close calls with cyclists and unpredictable pedestrian moves.
  • Waymo says a commercial service in 2026 remains its goal, which will require the UK to finish a framework that allows driverless rides.
  • The push sets up a race with Wayve and Uber, as Waymo hires locally, plans service hubs across the city, and works with emergency services.