TfL urged to ensure London drivers are 'not left behind' by driverless cars

GMB Union has welcomed the London Assembly Transport Committee’s report on the future of autonomous transport in London.

Matthew Wright, GMB Regional Organiser, said:

“GMB is pleased to see the Transport Committee recognise the impact autonomous vehicles could have on drivers’ jobs and their recommendation for a just transition plan.

“Support and protection for drivers, including retraining and redeployment opportunities, will be essential if autonomous vehicles become more widely available.

“We also welcome the recommendations on passenger safety, and particularly the experience of disabled passengers, who often rely on our members for assistance and reassurance only a human driver can provide.

"We have been calling on the Department for Transport and TfL to develop a plan for a just transition to driverless services, and we urge them to begin work on this prior to deployment.

 “We look forward to working with TfL and the Transport Committee on the report's recommendations to ensure London’s drivers have a voice and are not left behind.”

Elly Baker, Londonwide Assembly Member and Labour's Transport Spokesperson on the London Assembly, said:

"Automated Passenger Vehicles could have a significant impact on driving jobs here in London. We need to take that extremely seriously. Private hire drivers deliver an essential service to Londoners and we need to recognise that.

"I’ve been clear that we need to fully understand how these vehicles could affect congestion and safety on our streets before we agree to allow them to operate. If we don’t, then everyone from professional drivers to any Londoner who uses public transport could be affected.

"I want to see a more considered approach from all levels of government to protect livelihoods. We must not be afraid to say no to robocabs if we can’t make sure that the needs of all Londoners are met.”