Log in or register
Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 26 OCTOBER 2026

Who Is Liable When A Robotaxi Crashes In Britain?

Anthony Gold Solicitors LLP
Anthony Gold Solicitors LLP
Contributor
Anthony Gold Solicitors LLP

Anthony Gold Solicitors LLP

Founded over 60 years ago, Anthony Gold is a multi-specialist leading firm based in London but with...

View firm profile
Explore more from Anthony Gold Solicitors LLP

Self-driving taxis have arrived on London's streets, but when accidents occur involving these autonomous vehicles, determining liability becomes complex. This article examines how current UK legislation applies to robotaxis operating with safety drivers and explores whether existing legal frameworks provide adequate protection for injured parties.

United KingdomTransport
Toby Konarzewski
Toby Konarzewski
Author LinkedIn connections

On 3 September 2026, self-driving taxis took to the streets of London, marking a significant step towards the commercial rollout of autonomous vehicles in Britain. Uber has partnered with Wayve AI to allow passengers to book rides in AI-driven vehicles, albeit with a licensed safety driver behind the wheel, ready to intervene if necessary.

While the technology promises to transform urban transport, it also raises important legal questions. If a robotaxi causes an accident, who is liable: the insurer, the vehicle manufacturer, the AI developer or the safety driver? As autonomous vehicles become an increasingly familiar sight on British roads, understanding how existing legislation applies to these new circumstances is essential.

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

View source

Related Articles

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

Related Comparative Guides

See more popular content from

Article

A Guide For Businesses Considering Self-driving Fleets

Self-driving vehicles could transform commercial fleets, but the UK's new Automated Vehicles Act 2024 creates a complex regulatory framework that redistributes legal responsibility between fleet operators, vehicle occupants, and automated driving system providers. Before committing to significant investment in automated cars, vans, HGVs or passenger vehicles, general counsel and procurement teams must understand what the technology is legally authorised to do, who carries each responsibility
United KingdomTransport
Weightmans LLP
Weightmans LLP
Article

Supply Chain Market Update: Rates Hold High As Trucking And Air Stay Tight While Ocean Shows Early Signs Of Stabilizing

Transportation rates remain elevated across all major modes as capacity constraints persist in trucking and air freight, while ocean markets show early signs of stabilization following inventory front-loading activity. Despite some moderation from peak levels, rates across global shipping, air cargo, and North American trucking continue to run significantly above prior-year benchmarks due to ongoing network disruptions and structural capacity limitations.
United KingdomTransport
AlixPartners Asia LLC
AlixPartners Asia LLC
Article

Hostile UAS Operations: Aviation Resilience And Liability

Recent drone incidents at Leipzig/Halle Airport and in Lithuanian airspace have exposed critical vulnerabilities in European aviation security, raising complex questions about civil liability, State responsibility, and the adequacy of existing regulatory frameworks. As hostile UAS operations grow more sophisticated, airports and airlines must urgently reassess their contractual arrangements, insurance coverage, and operational resilience planning to address this evolving threat.
GlobalTransport
Burges Salmon LLP
Burges Salmon LLP
Video

How Does Hong Kong Handle Mental Capacity Issues? (Video)

Alexandra Knipe interviews Sherlynn Chan, Partner at Deacons in Hong Kong, exploring how Hong Kong's Mental Health Ordinance approaches mental capacity issues through committee appointments and guardianship regimes. They examine key differences between Hong Kong and England & Wales systems, from medical assessments and supervision requirements to the scope of powers granted to those managing vulnerable clients' affairs.
Hong KongFamily and Matrimonial
Anthony Gold Solicitors LLP
Anthony Gold Solicitors LLP
Video

What Is The Difference Between An Independent Financial Adviser And A Restricted Adviser? (Video)

Court of Protection orders increasingly require deputies to take independent financial advice, but what does that mean in practice? Understanding the distinction between independent and restricted advisers is crucial for deputies navigating their fiduciary responsibilities, particularly when older orders lack specific guidance on the type of financial advice required.
United KingdomFamily and Matrimonial
Anthony Gold Solicitors LLP
Anthony Gold Solicitors LLP
Video

Instructing An IFA In Court Of Protection Cases: What To Include (Video)

Independent Financial Advisers need comprehensive information about a protected party's background, current finances, and future care projections to provide effective advice in Court of Protection cases. Deputies who understand how to frame instructions properly—focusing on what the money needs to achieve rather than simply what's available to invest—receive better-targeted financial guidance and can more effectively manage family expectations through scenario modelling.
United KingdomWealth Management
Anthony Gold Solicitors LLP
Anthony Gold Solicitors LLP
Article

Best Interests Of The Child: What Does The Court Really Consider?

When parents separate and disputes arise over child arrangements, understanding how the Family Court determines what is truly in a child's best interests becomes crucial. The court's assessment goes far beyond simply asking what the child wants, examining instead a comprehensive welfare checklist that weighs multiple factors including the child's needs, safety, stability, and long-term wellbeing.
United KingdomFamily and Matrimonial
Anthony Gold Solicitors LLP
Anthony Gold Solicitors LLP