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    "headline": "Uber launches self-driving taxis in London with safety drivers",
    "dek": "Uber becomes the first company to launch autonomous minicabs in London, though each requires a human safety driver.",
    "prose": "Uber launched the UK's first robotaxi service in London on 2026-04-12, initially deploying a fleet of 15 autonomous Ford Mustang electric vehicles. [^1]\n\nUber added Wayve's autonomous vehicles to its app on Thursday, launching London's first self-driving taxis for hire. [^2]\n\nEach of the 15 initial autonomous vehicles in London must have a human safety driver behind the wheel ready to take control if anything goes wrong. [^3]\n\nUber surveyed London-based customers via the app and found that more than 100,000 respondents said they would choose a self-driving taxi if one was available. [^4]\n\nAlex Kendall, co-founder and CEO of Wayve, stated that the AI Driver technology is still maturing but that robotaxi services without a safety driver will eventually come. [^5]\n\nRegulatory approval for fully autonomous operations without a safety driver is now seen as unlikely this year. [^6]\n\nThe Wayve autonomous vehicles currently operate with a licensed human driver sitting in the front seat to take over controls if needed. [^7]\n\nUber's global head of autonomous mobility and delivery Sarfraz Maredia said on 2026-04-12 that human drivers will remain on Uber London for a long time to come as the market grows. [^8]",
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