00:00Big changes could be coming to London's roads as Uber is preparing to trial robo-taxis next spring where artificial intelligence, not humans, will be in the driver's seat.
00:14Now this trial marks Uber's first driverless car pilot in the United Kingdom and it comes as the government has fast-tracked plans for self-driving transport.
00:24Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has recently confirmed that companies will now be allowed to run small-scale taxi and bus-like services without a safety driver on board for the first time.
00:41While it's unclear whether passengers will be able to book these robo-taxis during the early stages of the trial, the long-term ambition is to make self-driving rides a regular part of urban and rural life.
00:58The Department for Transport says that this technology could create 38,000 jobs and add £42 billion to the economy by 2035.
01:09They also argue that autonomous vehicles are safer as they don't suffer from fatigue, distractions or human error.
01:18However, obviously not everyone is convinced. GMB union leaders warn of the social impact on drivers and call for more discussion on the broader consequences of the automation as well.
01:33But how do Londoners feel about getting in to a driverless car?
01:38I find that it's very futuristic for me. I always like to engage with the driver and I don't think that's a very good move. It's the same with the supermarkets.
01:47We're losing that sense of community or even talking with a lady on the checkout. Now it's the same kind of thing. It's becoming very mechanical and robotic.
01:57I would. I'm all for it. I feel drivers' cars get treated as a bit of a double standard against drivers.
02:06Like, yes, there have been some accidents, but far less than there have been with human drivers.
02:11And so I think the technology, it feels like it's almost there. And for one, I'd practice while I preach, I'd get in one.
02:17I don't know. I'm not sure on that one. It's just the thought of not being a driver.
02:23And I mean, we are moving, we're advancing in the tech age now, so things are going to change.
02:29But I'm still stuck with driverless drivers. It's like having a driverless plane. It's a little bit like, whoa!
02:37Yeah, that would be... Do you know what I mean? It's like, it'll be cars today with planes tomorrow.
02:42But I mean, you know, if it's progressing and it works and it's safe, then go for it.
02:46Yes, I think it's a shame. I think it's nice to have competition so people can afford to have the Black Cup.
02:51But I think it's part of the character of London. And to lose that, it's quite negative, I believe.
