Self-Driving Cars Coming to UK Roads by 2026
The UK government has confirmed plans to fast-track the rollout of autonomous vehicles on public roads, with pilot programmes now expected to begin in spring 2026, a year ahead of the original 2027 target. Searches for “self-driving cars” are surging, up 161% in the past month and 291% over the past quarter, showing strong public curiosity. But that curiosity is paired with caution; a 2024 YouGov poll found that 37% of Brits say they’d feel ‘very unsafe’ in a driverless vehicle.
Officials are moving quickly to unlock what’s projected to be a £42 billion economic opportunity, create up to 38,000 jobs, and improve road safety and traffic efficiency. While companies like Uber and Wayve prepare for real-world trials in London, concerns linger about how these vehicles will navigate the city’s complex, unpredictable streets.
Kazimieras Urbonas, a supplier excellence expert and car specialist at Ovoko, notes, “The concern is whether it can work safely at scale, surrounded by cyclists, children, poor weather, or temporary roadworks. If passengers and pedestrians don’t feel safe, the promise of robotaxis won’t get far, especially in cities like London.”
To help the public prepare for the coming shift, we worked with Urbonas to share their three simple but essential safety tips for navigating a world with autonomous vehicles:
1. Stay alert around AVs, especially at crossings and roundabouts.
Autonomous vehicles can sometimes struggle to accurately interpret sudden or unpredictable human behaviour. It’s best to pause, make eye contact with nearby drivers when possible, and stay cautious before crossing, particularly in busy areas where split-second decisions matter.
2. Avoid distractions when walking or cycling near driverless cars.
Keeping your phone out of sight and staying fully aware of your surroundings can help you react quickly if a self-driving vehicle behaves unexpectedly. A moment’s inattention could make a difference when sharing the road with technology still learning to handle real-world unpredictability.
3. Report any unusual AV behaviour to local authorities.
Whether it’s a vehicle stopping awkwardly, misreading a crossing, or struggling with road conditions, flagging these incidents can help improve safety for everyone. Public reports will be vital in shaping future guidelines and ensuring autonomous vehicles operate responsibly in local communities.