ANDY BURNHAM must block US tech firms from using Londoners as “guinea pigs” for driverless taxis, drivers warned the incoming PM today.

The App Drivers & Couriers Union (ADCU) demanded the former Manchester mayor pause a deal to deploy “unproven” robotaxis in the capital as a top priority. 

Automated cabs pose a clear risk to public safety, and could mean tens of thousands of jobs lost for professional drivers and further congestion. 

A recent ADCU submission to London Assembly transport committee warned of a lack of transparency regarding incident reporting, potentially leading to the erosion of “democratic accountability” for users.

They also urged the creation of a legally enforceable “just transition” to protect the livelihoods of workers threatened by this automisation.

ADCU general secretary Cristina-Georgiana Ioanitescu said: “London has some of the most complex urban roads in the world.

“Before a single commercial autonomous vehicle is allowed to carry passengers, there must be independent evidence that it is demonstrably safer than a professional human driver, transparent reporting of incidents and near misses, and proper democratic oversight.”

She urged the incoming government to protect Londoners from becoming “guinea pigs for unproven technology,” adding: “We are nowhere near ready for driverless taxis on London’s streets.”

Ms Ioanitescu added: “More than 105,000 licensed private hire drivers work in London.

“These workers have kept the capital moving through pandemics, transport disruption and every major event over the last decade. They deserve better than to have their livelihoods sacrificed in the interests of Silicon Valley technology companies.”

She said that Mr Burnham would send a “clear signal” if he put a pause on the deal for Waymo and Uber/Wayve driverless minicab operators, expected to be launched in London in September.