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

London Becomes Leading European City for Autonomous Taxi Service.

London will emerge as the pioneering European city to launch an autonomous taxi service, similar to those already familiar in San Francisco and four other American locations using Waymo's cutting-edge technology.

Initial Operations to Start with Safety Drivers.

Waymo confirmed that its vehicles are currently en route to London and will commence navigating on the city's streets in the near future with trained human specialists behind the wheel.

The company – originally established as a spin-off from the tech giant's self-driving car project and part of the Alphabet family – indicated it would scale up activities and work closely with the government transport body and London's transport agency to obtain the necessary permissions to deliver completely driverless services by 2026.

Increasing Involvement in Self-Driving Transport In London.

Other companies, including Uber and the British technology firm Wayve, have likewise declared their own plans to trial driverless cabs in the capital next year.

This follows the UK authorities announcing it would accelerate rules enabling real-world tests to take place before legislation supporting self-driving vehicles is enacted in full.

“I'm delighted that Waymo aims to launch their technology to London next year, under our suggested trial program,” commented the official, the secretary.

“Boosting the AV sector will improve inclusive mobility choices alongside bringing jobs, capital, and opportunities to the UK. Cutting-edge funding like this will assist in achieving our goal to be international frontrunners in emerging tech and lead countrywide development.”

Complete Launch Anticipated After New Legislation Comes into Force.

A broader rollout of autonomous taxis is projected in the UK after the Automated Vehicles Act comes completely into force in 2027.

The Company's Current Ties in the UK and Beyond.

Waymo presently has ties to Britain after launching its pioneering European technical center in Oxford in 2019.

It is additionally starting services in Tokyo using Jaguar Land Rover EVs, marking its second present project outside the US.

“We've demonstrated how to effectively grow totally self-driving ride-hailing, and we can’t wait to expand the benefits of our technology to the United Kingdom,” stated the company executive, explaining that the innovation was “enhancing transport security and travel more available”.

Proven Track Record in the United States.

Waymo introduced its driverless cabs in 2020 and currently reports it has carried more than a vast number of passengers in the US.

Despite some alarming incidents, Waymo asserted that statistics showed that vehicles operated by people were linked to accidents that harmed walkers significantly more frequently than its self-driving fleet.