King’s Cross robotaxi protest as Uber drivers fear jobs are at risk

Uber drivers gathered outside Wayve’s headquarters in King’s Cross on Saturday to warn that London’s planned robotaxi rollout could put their livelihoods at risk. About 20 private hire drivers took part in the protest, organised by the App Drivers’ and Couriers’ Union (ADCU).

The union said drivers risk becoming “collateral damage” and called for them to be compensated. The protest follows the launch of London’s first driverless car trial last month. A full commercial rollout is expected in 2027, subject to regulatory approval.

Abdurzak Hadi, a London Uber driver who has worked for the company for more than 12 years, said driverless vehicles could be difficult for human drivers to compete with because they could operate around the clock. He called on Mayor Sadiq Khan to make his position clear.

What drivers are concerned about

Hadi, 50, said he felt like “an old car that’s not needed any more”. He said the change could affect his livelihood and that of other drivers who may have to compete with machines. He wants the rollout stopped completely.

Brent councillor Amandine Alexandre also urged the mayor to speak out. The Green Party councillor said she believed he was not enthusiastic about robotaxis but had not firmly opposed them. She argued London could still decide not to have the vehicles.

How the rollout is being handled

The London Assembly Transport Committee has urged the Government to give Transport for London power to cap how many autonomous passenger vehicles operators can deploy. In a recent report, the committee said it had not heard enough evidence to be persuaded London should welcome driverless services.

TfL granted minicab licences for use on self-driving vehicles in August. Uber users can now hail autonomous vehicles, but each will still have a human safety driver able to take the wheel. Uber has said more than 140,000 Londoners have opted in through its app to show interest in using the vehicles. The mayor’s office had been contacted for comment; a response was not included in the announcement.

This report draws on information from The Standard.