Driverless taxis could be operating in London from next year, making it the first city within Europe to have self-driving taxis. They are already operational elsewhere around the world in cities such as San Francisco and LA. But what are their pros and cons? 

Speaking to The Hard Shoulder, technology correspondent for The Irish Times Ciara O’Brien detailed her own experience with driverless taxis. 

“I've been in several at this stage now, by choice, not because we were being given a demo of them. 

“At the start before I got into it, I did think I'd be a bit weirded out by it because there is basically nobody in the driver's seat. 

“It's like watching something out of Knight Rider for the people who remember what that was where the car is just driving itself and the wheel is actually moving. 

“After a while you forget that there's nobody in the driver's seat. 

“And I have to say now, it's the safest I've ever felt in a taxi in the US.” 

'It just makes sense'

Ms O’Brien further detailed what the appeal of a driverless taxi is for the average consumer. 

“there's no such thing as driver fatigue. 

“You know, obviously there's software that you have to be aware of that, you know, if there is a glitch. 

“But these things are tested, tested and then tested again before they're even allowed near a road. 

“The drivers don't get tired. 

“The drivers are not talking on their phones loudly for the entire journey. 

“Basically, all those little annoyances that you can get sometimes are gone.” 

 Safety

Irish Examiner columnist Jane Cowan said that safety concerns with the use of traditional taxis means she would be happy to see these vehicles in Irish towns and cities. 

“I think the safety element of getting into a taxi, like I'm a young woman when I'm getting a taxi home from a night out on my own. 

“I think as like most women have probably experienced, you're concerned for your safety getting into a taxi with a stranger. 

“I would just really enjoy being able to sort of bypass that element.