Driverless technology has to serve the public interest

This opinion article from LabourList argues that driverless cabs (Autonomous Passenger Vehicles) being tested in London must be regulated to serve the public interest, not private tech companies. It notes that Andy Burnham's incoming team reportedly wants to slow the rollout. The author raises concerns about congestion, the impact on 300,000 UK private hire drivers, and the weakening of public transport. The piece criticizes vague answers from operators like Waymo on vehicle numbers and timing. It proposes an alternative: using driverless tech for freight safety, integrating APVs with public transport (as in Oslo), and requiring TfL to reject current operator permits until a clear public-interest plan is in place. The article warns that London's experience is a warning for other UK cities.