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The US-based firm Waymo has declared that its self-driving cabs will be on offer for use on London's streets beginning next year.

London Becomes Leading European City for Autonomous Ride-Hailing.

London will become the first European city to host an self-driving taxi service, similar to those already familiar in multiple US cities and several American cities using Waymo's advanced platform.

Preliminary Operations to Start with Human Specialists.

Waymo confirmed that its fleet are presently traveling to London and will start operating on the city's roads in the near future with safety drivers behind the wheel.

The company – originally created as a offshoot from Google's autonomous vehicle initiative and belonging to the larger corporate umbrella – stated it would increase operations and work closely with the UK transport authorities and Transport for London to secure the required approvals to offer totally self-driving services by 2026.

Increasing Interest in Self-Driving Mobility Across London.

Other companies, such as Uber and the UK-based tech company Wayve, have also revealed their own plans to test self-driving vehicles in the capital next year.

This is in response to the UK authorities announcing it would speed up guidelines allowing public trials to proceed before regulation enabling self-driving vehicles becomes law in full.

“I am thrilled that Waymo intends to launch their services to London next year, under our proposed testing initiative,” commented the official, Heidi Alexander.

“Strengthening the autonomous vehicle market will enhance accessible mobility choices while also bringing work, investment, and opportunities to the UK. Cutting-edge investment like this will help us deliver our mission to be international frontrunners in emerging tech and lead national renewal.”

Comprehensive Rollout Expected After Automated Vehicles Act Takes Effect.

A broader deployment of driverless vehicles is projected in the UK after the new law comes completely into force in late 2027.

The Company's Existing Presence in the United Kingdom and Internationally.

Waymo already has connections to Britain after establishing its pioneering European technical center in Oxford in 2019.

It is furthermore starting services in Tokyo using JLR EVs, marking its sole additional current venture outside the United States.

“Our experience shows how to effectively grow fully autonomous transport solutions, and we are eager to bring the advantages of our systems to the UK,” said Waymo's co-chief executive, explaining that the system was “improving road safety and transportation more inclusive”.

Demonstrated Track Record in the United States.

Waymo introduced its driverless cabs in 2020 and now claims it has served in excess of 10 million passengers in the United States.

In spite of some alarming occurrences, Waymo stated that statistics revealed that cars driven by humans were involved in incidents that hurt people on foot at a much higher rate than its autonomous fleet.