Driverless taxis could soon be cruising through the streets of London as tech company Waymo prepares to bring its self driving cars to the capital. The move would make London the first European city to get the futuristic service, following successful launches in San Francisco and Tokyo.

The California based company confirmed that testing will begin in the coming weeks, with safety drivers inside at first while the technology adapts to London’s unique roads and traffic. The plan is to start with a small fleet before fully rolling out the autonomous service next year. Waymo, which is owned by Google’s parent company Alphabet, says the goal is to make travel “safer, more reliable, and accessible for everyone.”

In the US, Waymo has already provided millions of rides through its driverless taxi program, operating in cities like San Francisco and Phoenix. The company says the cars use advanced sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence to navigate without a human driver. Passengers can book rides through an app, much like Uber, but with no one in the driver’s seat.

But not everyone is convinced that London is ready for driverless cars. Steve McNamara, the general secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association, which represents thousands of black cab drivers across the city, was quick to dismiss the idea saying:

“Will I be concerned in 25 years’ time? Maybe. I’m certainly not concerned at the moment,” he said. “It’s a novelty, it’s a gimmick. It’s the solution that we don’t need. Who needs a driverless cab?”

McNamara added that he doesn’t believe Londoners will trust the technology, especially when it comes to safety.

“Would you put your kids in one to go to school?” he asked. “People want someone behind the wheel, someone they can talk to, someone who knows the roads.”

London’s taxi industry, known for its traditional black cabs, has been a symbol of the city for decades. Many cab drivers spend years studying “The Knowledge”,  a test that requires them to memorise every street and landmark in the capital. Some drivers fear that automation could eventually threaten their jobs or undermine the heritage of London’s taxi culture.

Still, others argue that innovation is inevitable. With global cities increasingly adopting autonomous transport, London’s inclusion could mark a major shift in how people move around the city. Waymo insists that safety will remain its top priority, stressing that every car will be closely monitored and tested under strict conditions before going fully driverless.

Whether it’s a step into the future or a passing trend, Londoners will soon find out if they are ready to ride in a cab without a driver.