Sadiq Khan calls for cap on numbers of robotaxis on London streets

Mayor questions impact on air quality, congestion and jobs as government poised to allow driverless vehicles in capital

London’s mayor has called for a cap on the numbers of robotaxis on its streets, with the UK government poised to allow fully driverless vehicles to operate in the capital.

Sadiq Khan said politicians had failed to “grasp the pace of change” from the technology, which could threaten jobs and increase congestion in the city, and questioned whether the rules for autonomous cars were fit for purpose.

His comments came after Chinese robotaxis, now being tested in London, were unveiled by Freenow by Lyft, a rival to Uber.