Self-driving robotaxis could begin accepting customers on UK roads as soon as this summer, in a major development for the emerging technology.
Kaity Fischer, head of Wayve's robotaxi business, explained that its technology was "ready to go" as it continues to partner with Uber to use its systems on the streets of London.
Labour announced last year that self-driving taxi and private hire services can begin trials from spring 2026 in a move that could be worth $42billion by 2035.
It outlined that autonomous vehicle pilot schemes were being fast-tracked, adding that the AV Act would be implemented in full from the second half of 2027.
A fresh update was given last week as the Government opened applications for operators to operate trials of taxi, bus and private hire-style self-driving vehicles.
Passengers will be able to book taxi and bus-style self-driving vehicles later this year, with firms being supported by rules to roll out impressive technology.
In partnership with Wayve, Uber said it would start offering self-driving vehicles at the same charge as its conventional minicabs.
At first, a human driver will sit behind the wheel to take control during journeys before the safety benefits of the self-driving vehicles are evidenced.
Wayve said self-driving technology inside robotaxis could be live across London in the very near future
|PA
Speaking to the Press Association, Ms Fischer said: "We're looking forward to launching in London in the next couple of months.
"We're ready to go, and can't wait to get the public into our vehicles to experience Wayve technology first hand."
Through the Uber app, drivers will eventually be able to select a self-driving car through its X, Comfort and Electric journeys.
Wayve, which was founded in 2017 by two University of Cambridge students, will use its technology for commercial journeys for the first time in London.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Wayve will have its technology used for commercial purposes for the first time in London
|PA
Alongside Uber, it plans to expand its technological capabilities to cities around the world, including the Japanese capital of Tokyo, later this year.
Wayve said it was also working with popular manufacturers like Nissan and Stellantis to deploy its self-driving technology in private vehicles.
Annie Duvnjak, leader of autonomous mobility operations at Uber, said the company will launch with a "small fleet" of robotaxis in London before scaling up in the future.
"When you first get in, you look around and all of a sudden the car is driving, and it feels normal. You forget that you're in an autonomous vehicle, and that's the beauty of it," she added.
Waymo has already started trials of its self-driving vehicles across London | PAMs Duvnjak acknowledged that self-driving vehicles would not be a one-size-fits-all solution, with particular routes and weather conditions being better suited for human drivers.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander praised the development of these technologies and the benefits they could bring to road safety in the very short term.
She added: "Wayve is a British success story and this partnership with Uber is a welcome vote of confidence in their technology."
Other self-driving breakthroughs are being made, with Waymo's vehicles being seen testing across London ahead of its full launch later this year.