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American firm Waymo has announced that its self-driving vehicles will be available for hire on London's thoroughfares starting next year.

London Becomes First European City for Self-Driving Taxi Service.

The UK capital will be established as the first European city to launch an self-driving taxi service, similar to those already familiar in multiple US cities and four other American urban centers using Waymo's advanced systems.

First Testing Phase to Commence with Safety Drivers.

Waymo confirmed that its cars are presently en route to London and will begin navigating on the city's public roads in the near future with experienced operators supervising the vehicles.

The company – originally established as a spin-off from the tech giant's self-driving car program and part of the same parent group – indicated it would expand operations and collaborate with the Department for Transport and Transport for London to acquire the required permissions to provide fully autonomous rides by 2026.

Increasing Involvement in Self-Driving Transport Across London.

Other firms, such as Uber and the UK-based tech company Wayve, have additionally declared their own intentions to test autonomous vehicles in the city next year.

This is in response to the UK authorities announcing it would accelerate rules enabling real-world tests to take place before regulation allowing autonomous cars is enacted in full.

“It is exciting that Waymo plans to bring their services to London next year, under our planned piloting scheme,” said the government minister, the secretary.

“Strengthening the AV sector will increase available travel alternatives alongside generating work, investment, and opportunities to the UK. Innovative support like this will assist in achieving our goal to be international frontrunners in emerging tech and drive economic growth.”

Complete Launch Anticipated After New Legislation Is Enforced.

A more extensive introduction of driverless vehicles is anticipated in the UK after the Automated Vehicles Act is fully implemented in the latter part of 2027.

Waymo's Current Ties in the UK and Beyond.

Waymo currently has connections to the UK after opening its first European research base in Oxford in 2019.

The company is also starting services in Tokyo using JLR eco-friendly cars, marking its only other current operation outside the US.

“Our experience shows how to safely expand completely driverless ride-hailing, and we are eager to expand the advantages of our technology to the United Kingdom,” said Tekedra Mawakana, adding that the innovation was “making roads safer and transportation more accessible”.

Demonstrated History in the United States.

Waymo began its self-driving vehicles in 2020 and now claims it has transported more than 10 million customers in the United States.

In spite of some troubling occurrences, Waymo indicated that statistics showed that cars driven by humans were associated with accidents that hurt walkers at a much higher rate than its autonomous vehicles.