UK THINKTANK CALLS FOR TAX ON SELF-DRIVING CARS

The report warns that widespread adoption of self-driving cars would put hundreds of thousands of private hire jobs at risk. Proponents of the tax argue it would help offset negative economic and social impacts during the transition period. London saw its first robotaxis hit streets this month, marking a significant milestone for autonomous vehicle technology in the UK. However, the rapid deployment has prompted policy discussions about how to manage the technology's rollout. Government projections indicate self-driving capability could become standard in a substantial portion of new vehicle sales within the next decade. This timeline has intensified debates about regulation and economic safeguards. The thinktank also cited congestion as a concern, suggesting that autonomous vehicles could increase traffic if not properly managed through taxation and infrastructure planning. No government response to the proposal has been announced.