European cities have small, narrow and winding streets: Waymo lands in the acid test of its cars

Waymo plans to launch its driverless robotaxi service in London next year, marking a significant step for autonomous driving in Europe. The company, spun off from Google's self-driving car project, aims to navigate the city's complex road network, a challenge that will test the technology in a new environment. This move highlights the growing interest in autonomous vehicles and the race to deploy them in major European cities. Waymo's initial plan involves operating with a human driver behind the wheel in specific areas of London. The company needs to gain regulatory approval before offering fully autonomous rides to the public. The UK's Department of Transport is accelerating the rollout of driverless vehicle services with the goal of having them active across the country by 2027. The arrival of Waymo in London places the city at the forefront of autonomous vehicle adoption in Europe. Other companies, like Uber and Lyft, also have plans to launch similar services in the city. The success of Waymo's venture in London could set a precedent for other European cities, influencing how they regulate and integrate autonomous vehicles into their transportation systems.