Secretary of State for Transport (): I wish to provide the
House with an update on steps the government is taking to
progress the implementation of automated passenger services (APS)
regulations to kickstart economic growth, a top priority in the
Government's Plan for Change.
The APS permitting regime was created to address complexities of
applying current taxi, private hire vehicle, and public service
vehicle legislation to passenger services that would operate
without a driver. This scheme will help facilitate commercial
pilots of services with paying passengers and no safety driver to
be deployed from Spring 2026.
In June, I announced the government's intention to accelerate the
introduction of APS regulations, subject to the outcome of a
consultation launching in Summer. Today (21 July 2025) I can
announce that the consultation on the draft regulations and wider
considerations in respect of the management and use of the
permitting scheme has been published. The consultation will run
until 28 September 2025.
Through the APS permitting scheme, we intend to provide
businesses with the regulatory confidence to invest in testing
and deploying these innovative services on our streets,
reinforcing Great Britain's position among the world leaders in
tech deployment.
Safety, including the safeguarding of passengers, is at the heart
of the proposed permitting scheme. Where automated vehicle
technology needs approval by Government before it can be used,
Government will use comprehensive safety standards that take into
account the developing United Nations regulation for Automated
Driving Systems.
Government intends that the accessibility of services will be a
factor in consideration of whether to grant a permit, alongside a
reporting requirement placed on to permit holders. Pilot
deployments will continue building government's understanding of
new ways in which accessibility can be achieved through these
services. Government will continue to explore the role for
research in further understanding of how self-driving passenger
services can best enable older and disabled people to travel,
alongside others with limited or restricted mobility.
Consultation Proposals
The consultation is divided into seven chapters covering a range
of matters relevant to the implementation of APS permitting.
These chapters consider the outline of the legislative scheme,
necessary guidance regarding the consent process for local
licensing authorities and bus franchising authorities, the
application process, the variation, suspension and withdrawal of
a permit, accessibility, the review process and disclosure of
information.
A copy of this publication and associated annexes will be placed
in the libraries of both Houses and published on GOV.UK.
