Brits say they’d choose black cabs over self-driving cars as driverless taxis edge closer to reality

THERE seems to be no convincing us Brits that driverless cars are any good despite the millions being ploughed into the technology.

And when it comes to paying for a cab, do we really want to shell out for a robot driver over the traditional human cabbie? New research suggests not.

According to a survey of 1,600 motorists by online servicing provider, Servicing Stop, a cab driven by another person would still be favoured by 79 per cent of people, as opposed to one that is controlled by a machine. 

It could be good news for traditional black cabbies in their fight with Uber as the ride-hailing app is actively pursuing driverless setups despite people's desire to have a driver.

Those questioned did, however, welcome the benefits of autonomous technology, with more than 40 per cent recognising self-driving cars would offer improved mobility for the elderly, disabled and children, while just under a third said they would contribute to a drop in the number of road-traffic accidents. 

Similarly, 15 per cent of motorists believe self-driving cars would give commuters more time to be productive on their journeys.

The findings suggest that while Brits may welcome the introduction of driverless technology as progressing towards a more productive society, the majority of people are still hesitant to choose them as their own method of transport.

Last month, a study found more than two-thirds of motorists said they were reluctant to accept a lift in a driverless car altogether and even feared the technology.

Despite this, firms are pushing ahead with autonomy with a UK trial between London and Oxford planned for 2019.

All major manufacturers are researching the tech, too, with a mass-produced vehicle likely to be on sale from 2025.

CEO of Servicing Stop, Oly Richmond, suggested the perceived reluctance towards autonomous cabs could be down to people's fondness of the traditional friendly driver.

“Autonomous vehicles could be driving alongside us on the motorways as soon as 2019 so it's great to see motorists already getting ready to welcome the new range of self-driving cars.

“The driverless vehicles will indeed offer a range of assistance to motorists and pedestrians in the future whether it be improved mobility, a delivery service or even through preventing road-traffic accidents.

"I think it’s safe to say this is an exciting time and the pros far outweigh the risks.

“Motorists do not seem keen on the idea of paying for an autonomous cab service with only one fifth giving it priority but this isn’t to mean it’s the be all and end all of autonomous.

"Perhaps we are just fond of a little company after all and the digital age hasn’t yet turned us all into antisocial busybodies.”