Waymo Self-Driving Car Sparks Debate Over Traffic Light Incident

A video capturing a Waymo self-driving car's interaction with traffic signals in London has ignited a debate among drivers and online users regarding its adherence to traffic laws. The 39-second clip, shared on X, shows the autonomous vehicle stopping at a green light before proceeding through what appears to be a red light.

The incident, which reportedly occurred around 8:15 a.m. on July 24, involved the Waymo vehicle stopping as a cyclist moved past on its left. After the cyclist cleared, the light signal for the car turned red, and the vehicle then turned left. This sequence of events has led to divided opinions, with some asserting the car violated traffic rules and others arguing it acted correctly.

Critics expressed concern about the vehicle's behavior, with one social media user writing, "The lights had turned red, the robo car was standing on red, then just chose to go on a red. Once deciding on standing there, the car should stay until green." Another comment stated, "Driverless cars coming to a Town/City near you and this is with a driver whilst on trial."

Conversely, many users defended the Waymo's actions, citing Rule H3 of the UK's Highway Code. This rule mandates that drivers turning left must yield to cyclists proceeding straight ahead in a cycle lane, cycle track, or on the main road. Proponents of the car's behavior argued it correctly yielded to the cyclist before making its turn. "This was the correct action. You do not turn left when there is a cyclist on your inside," one user commented. Another added, "The robo car followed the actual rules of the road. You do not turn left when there is a cyclist on the inside."

Waymo is currently testing its fleet of distinctive white Jaguar vehicles in London, with the aim of offering a fully autonomous taxi service. The company already operates driverless services in San Francisco, Miami, and Atlanta. In January, it was announced that 24 vehicles would be deployed in London for testing and street mapping purposes.

This is not the first time Waymo vehicles have drawn public attention in London. In May, residents reported a Waymo car becoming stuck on a residential road in the early hours of the morning, and another incident involved a vehicle attempting to navigate a dead-end street multiple times. Additionally, a Waymo car was involved in an incident where it drove into a taped-off crime scene in Harlesden, which the company attributed to driver error at the time.