Drivers protest against Uber's London robotaxi trials

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 17 Oct, 19:02 · Archive

Drivers and unions protested against autonomous taxi trials in London, citing safety and job loss concerns.

Drivers and unions protested against Uber's robotaxi trials in London on Saturday, raising concerns about safety, congestion and job losses. The demonstration took place outside Wayve's offices in King's Cross, with attendance reported as around 15 to 20 people.

Abdurzak Hadi, a 50-year-old private hire driver with over 12 years at Uber, said he felt like 'an old car that's not needed any more'. He warned that drivers would struggle to compete with autonomous vehicles operating 24 hours daily. The App Drivers' and Couriers' Union, an organiser of the protest, said drivers are being treated as 'collateral damage' and called for compensation. Hadi called on London Mayor Lord Sadiq Khan to clarify his position on the trials.

Protesters raised broader concerns beyond employment. Priyanka Khurana from campaign group Fare Free London said driverless taxis would increase traffic and take jobs away from drivers, arguing that more cars on the road was undesirable. James Rossi, a GMB union representative and London bus driver, said there needed to be guarantees about safety and job security.

Uber launched the UK's first robotaxis in London last month in partnership with Wayve, an AI technology firm. Wayve said it was taking a phased approach with the technology and working with Transport for London to ensure future services were introduced responsibly. Hadi called on TfL to suspend licences for driverless vehicles until there was greater clarity about implementation, noting drivers had not been properly informed about the trials.

How it is being reported

• Protesters call for London robotaxi trials to stopUnions representing drivers say autonomous taxis could lead to a loss or taxi and private hire driver jobs.BBC London · 17 Oct, 18:39
• Uber driver 'feels like an old car' joining protest against robotaxisThey protested outside the London HQ of Wayve over safety, job losses and congestion concernsMyLondon · 17 Oct, 17:25

In this story: Uber · Wayve · App Drivers' and Couriers' Union · Abdurzak Hadi · London · Transport for London · Priyanka Khurana · James Rossi

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