Thinktank Proposes Taxes on Self-Driving Cars to Counter Job Losses

A UK thinktank is advocating for the immediate implementation of taxes on self-driving cars. This proposal stems from concerns that the widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles could lead to significant job displacement, particularly in the private hire sector, potentially putting hundreds of thousands of jobs at risk.

The call for taxation comes as robotaxis have recently begun operating on London's streets. Government forecasts suggest that by the mid-2030s, up to 40% of new car sales could feature self-driving capabilities. The proposed taxes aim to mitigate the negative economic impacts, such as job losses, and potentially address increased congestion that autonomous vehicles might contribute to.