It’s official: by the first half of 2026, London will welcome its very first autonomous taxis. This marks a major milestone as the UK capital becomes the first city in Europe to roll out the technology, with Swiss cities expected to follow suit shortly after.
The end of the road for the iconic Black Cab?
While they only truly entered public service in 2023, “robotaxis”—or driverless cars—are rapidly gaining momentum globally, capturing the interest of governments and municipalities alike. Until now, the US and China were the only nations to have fully taken the plunge. However, 2026 will see this technology arrive in Europe, with London serving as the primary testing ground.
The streets of the capital are expected to host a mix of Chinese technology from Baidu and Anglo-American innovation from Wayve.
The rollout will begin as a pilot phase with a small number of vehicles. If successful and the necessary permits are secured, fleets of several hundred taxis could soon be deployed. It is a bittersweet prospect for London’s iconic black cabs, which have been synonymous with the city’s identity for generations and may eventually face obsolescence. While robotaxi firms insist they want to create a “hybrid network of autonomous vehicles and human drivers working together to meet London’s diverse transport needs,” only time will tell how this balance holds up.
A “British Puy-du-Fou” on the Horizon
In other news—and though you can’t catch a robotaxi there just yet—the London area is set to welcome its own Puy-du-Fou theme park by the end of the decade.
Following the brand’s successful expansion into Spain (Toledo) in 2021, the world-renowned French theme park group is looking to open a 150-hectare site in the London-Oxford corridor. Much like its counterparts, the park would be entirely dedicated to British history, featuring four period villages and 13 grand-scale shows covering everything from the Roman conquest to the Second World War.
Hello! I’m Ben Fischer, a travel enthusiast who has journeyed far and wide to bring you unique and inspiring stories. Each destination is a new adventure for me, a chance to explore diverse cultures and share unforgettable experiences.
In my articles, I take you beyond mere descriptions of places. I share the encounters, special moments, and anecdotes that make each trip unique. My writing is an invitation to see the world through my eyes, blending practical tips with personal insights.
As a lifelong traveler, I approach each journey with respect and curiosity, eager to uncover the stories hidden in every corner of the globe.
