Taxi and bus-style self-driving vehicle service operators are being sought by the UK Government.
The Department for Transport says that the first such services could be on the roads of Great Britain later this year.
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Applications are being sought as part of a pilot scheme, designed to gather real-world evidence on self-driving vehicles work on the road. The results will support the development of self-driving vehicle regulations which is currently in progress, following a call for evidence which closed in March.
The DfT says services will be subject to rigorous checks, including strict safety assessments against cyber and security threats.
Consent will also need to be given by local authorities such as Transport for London.
Wide-ranging benefits claimed from self-driving tech
The Government claims benefits of self-driving technology could include improved road safety, greater freedom and independence for older and disabled people, and the creation of thousands of jobs.
Simon Lightwood, roads and buses minister at the DfT, said: “Self-driving vehicles represent a transformative opportunity for Britain, opening up independent travel for disabled people and older adults, whilst driving growth and creating high-skilled jobs across the UK.
“This pilot scheme brings that future closer, giving passengers the opportunity to experience self-driving travel first-hand while ensuring safety always comes first.”
With the announcement, representatives of ride-sharing company Uber and US autonomous ride-hailing service Waymo said they were looking forward to bringing self-driving technology to the UK.
In addition, Sarah Gates, VP of global affairs and assurance at self-driving technology company Wayve, said: “The UK has all the ingredients to become a global leader in the deployment of self-driving vehicles, and today’s launch of the Automated Passenger Services scheme marks an important milestone.
“Wayve has been developing its technology in the UK for nearly a decade, and we’re excited to bring our supervised passenger service to market here this year.”
Mike Hawes, chief executive at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said: “Today is a significant milestone in the safe and responsible rollout of automated vehicles on British roads. For the first time, legislation will allow operators to offer passenger-carrying commercial services – such as robotaxis – to the general public.
“Government’s decision to bring forward this legislation has positioned Britain as a leading European market for automated vehicles and a frontrunner in physical AI investment, development and deployment.
“Automated passenger services represent a market expected to be worth some £3.7 billion annually in Britain by 2040 whilst having the potential to widen society’s access to mobility and improve road safety.”