The government has launched a public consultation on the new Automated Passenger Services (APS) permitting scheme as part of the process toward the deployment of self-driving taxis, private hire vehicles and buses on British roads from spring 2026.
The consultation, open until 28 September 2025, invites feedback from the public, industry, trade unions, and advocacy groups on how to ensure self-driving services are safe accessible, and well-regulated.
The APS scheme forms a key part of the Automated Vehicles Act, which sets the legal framework for how self-driving passenger services will operate.
These permits will enable companies to trial and operate self-driving passenger vehicles in a safe and structured way before the full AV Act is implemented, probably in spring next year.
APS permits will cover both fully driverless vehicles and trials that still use a safety driver, giving companies legal clarity and supporting investment in autonomous transport technology.
Operators will need to show how their services consider the needs of older and disabled passengers, and meet equality standards. This early rollout offers a chance to improve understanding of how automated vehicles can serve people with limited mobility.
Permit conditions will define the area, vehicles used and timeframes. Some conditions will be mandatory – such as publishing reports -while others may reflect local concerns. The government also proposes fees for applying, renewing, or varying permits. Initially, civil sanctions for violations will not apply during pilot phases, though permits can be varied, suspended, or withdrawn if needed.
Fast-tracked pilots, approved earlier this year, will allow companies to run small-scale self-driving services without safety drivers. These services could be booked by the public via apps and will help gather real-world data ahead of the full rollout expected from late 2027.
In announcing the consultation, the government point out that self-driving vehicles could reduce road collisions – 88% of which involve human error – while improving rural connectivity, offering more transport choices and helping those who are unable to drive.
They also sees this as a major economic opportunity, with potential to create 38,000 jobs and build a £42 billion industry by 2035.
British firms such as Wayve and Oxa are already leading in the field. Wayve recently raised over $1 billion in investment and has partnered with companies like Nissan and Uber, while Oxa is deploying autonomous technology at Heathrow Airport and in the US.
Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, yesterday said: ‘Self-driving vehicles are one of the most exciting opportunities to improve transport for so many people, especially those in rural areas or unable to drive. We want to work with passengers and industry to make this new form of transport safe and accessible, as we take our next steps towards adoption.
‘This technology doesn’t just have the potential to improve transport for millions of people. It will help stimulate innovation, create thousands of jobs, and drive investment to put more money in people’s pockets.’
The consultation document can be found here.
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