The GMB Union has expressed concern over Transport for London’s (TfL) decision to grant private hire licences to autonomous vehicles operated by Uber, warning that the introduction of self-driving robotaxis could threaten jobs, public safety and passenger welfare.

Reacting to the decision on Tuesday, GMB Regional Organiser Matthew Wright described the move as “a worrying development” for the union’s thousands of private hire driver members across London.

“This is a worrying development for our private hire driver members,” Wright said.

He urged authorities not to rush the deployment of autonomous vehicle technology without fully considering its wider social and economic implications.

“We can’t go charging ahead with new technologies without considering the implications of autonomous vehicles on all parties,” he said.

Raising concerns about the potential impact on drivers, Wright questioned how workers would be supported if driverless technology displaced jobs.

“For drivers; how will they be supported to reskill and redeploy if their jobs go? How will society cope with the lost tax revenue and potential increases in unemployment?” he asked.

The union also highlighted safety and accessibility concerns, calling for greater clarity on liability in the event of accidents and the impact on disabled passengers.

“For the public, how will their safety be impacted? Who is liable for accidents? What implications are there for disabled passengers?” Wright said.

He argued that autonomous vehicles could not replicate the expertise and personal interaction provided by experienced drivers.

“And for passengers, driverless cars cannot replace the knowledge, experience, and human connection that a skilled driver offers.”

The GMB called on Transport for London to exercise caution as it moves forward with the rollout of autonomous taxis.

“GMB urges TfL to proceed with extreme caution,” Wright said. (Arise News)

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