TfL Commissioner warns driverless cars must not worsen London congestion

Transport for London (TfL) Commissioner Andy Lord has warned that autonomous vehicles will only be allowed on London’s roads if they do not increase congestion in the capital.

Speaking at the Interchange 2026 event in Manchester, Lord said driverless technology could offer significant safety benefits but must be carefully regulated to avoid worsening traffic conditions.

“Clearly, there are significant safety benefits, but also we’ve got to balance that with the risk of further increasing congestion,” he said. “We must make sure that operators are dealing with safety and consumer rights in the right way.”

Lord highlighted TfL’s unique position in regulating the sector, as it oversees licensing for taxis and private hire vehicles while also acting as the transport authority for London.

“We have an interesting role in that we are both the regulator and the licensee for taxi and private hire,” he said, adding that any autonomous vehicles intended for commercial use in London would have to comply with the relevant regulations and legislation.

“London is the prime target for a number of those organisations. I look forward to working with them, but we’ve got to make sure we get the balance right.”

Tackling congestion and modernising the network

Lord also outlined measures included in TfL’s latest transport plan aimed at reducing congestion across the capital.

He pointed to a recently announced programme designed to transform how London’s streets operate over the next five years. The plan includes upgraded traffic management systems, delivery infrastructure improvements and new technology to optimise traffic flow and improve safety.

According to Lord, these changes will help deliver “the world’s most advanced traffic management system” in London by the end of 2028.

TfL also plans to standardise its LaneRunner initiative across boroughs to reduce delays and improve traffic movement.

Bus network expansion

Alongside traffic management reforms, Lord said TfL intends to “reimagine” London’s bus network by expanding the Superloop express bus service across outer London.

Additional measures will include new bus-priority technologies, enhanced priority lanes and advanced traffic signal systems designed to improve journey reliability and reduce delays.

Lord concluded by highlighting the continued evolution of London’s transport system.

“London’s integrated transport network will only continue to grow in size, in intelligence and in resilience,” he said. “With all of you here as allies, we can achieve our aspirations for London and the wider country and build on the successes of the past quarter century.”