Driverless Bus to Appear at Ravenscourt Park Community Day
Supporters hope it could help solve Hammersmith Bridge transport challenges
Hammersmith Society chair Angela Clarke, former chair Roger de Freitas, and committee member Fiona Petch, joined Andy Slaughter MP to see the vehicle in Barnes
July 17, 2026
Visitors to this Saturday’s Community Day in Ravenscourt Park will have the chance to see one of the autonomous electric shuttle vehicles being proposed as part of a new transport solution for Hammersmith Bridge. The Hammersmith Society has arranged for one of the pods to be parked near the park on Saturday 18 July, where residents will be invited to inspect the vehicle, learn how it works, and give their views on whether it could form part of a future river-crossing service.
The appearance of the pod comes as campaigners continue to push for a fleet of autonomous shuttles to operate between Hammersmith Underground Station and the Barnes side of the bridge, potentially extending later to Barnes railway station. The proposal is being championed by architect Charles Campion, a member of the Barnes Hammersmith Electric Light Transit group, who argues that the shuttles could provide a realistic, affordable alternative to rebuilding the bridge.
The autonomous vehicles — electric-powered pods capable of travelling at 15mph — have already been tested locally. On Friday 10 July, members of the Hammersmith Society, including chair Angela Clarke, former chair Roger de Freitas, and committee member Fiona Petch, joined Andy Slaughter MP for a ride on one of the pods around Barnes.
Inside, the vehicle has no steering wheel, only two wide benches at either end. It features wheelchair-accessible ramps and large screens showing live LIDAR mapping of potential risks. While passengers currently must remain seated and wear seatbelts, future versions could carry up to 14 people and operate without onboard staff. A fleet of ten vehicles is being suggested.
However, the feasibility study now underway is examining one of the most contentious issues: weight. The pods weigh around three tonnes — believed to be the current weight limit for vehicles crossing Hammersmith Bridge. Engineers working on the bridge restoration have warned that the shuttles may still be too heavy for the bridge’s restricted structure, even after the planned works funded through the Structures Fund. The community group supporting the plan insists the vehicles fall within the limit.
A visualisation of how the vehicle might look on Hammersmith Bridge
Previous shuttle proposals have largely stalled due to driver costs — a problem autonomous vehicles would eliminate entirely. But even without drivers, the system would require a permanently staffed control centre in the local area to respond to incidents. The total cost of the scheme is estimated at around £10 million.
Transport for London remains unconvinced, saying it has no plans to introduce a driverless bus service anywhere in London.
Supporters argue that the pods could transform mobility for people who struggle to cross the bridge on foot, offering a safe, reliable and environmentally friendly connection between Hammersmith and Barnes.
Saturday’s demonstration is intended to give residents a chance to see the vehicle up close and share their views. The Hammersmith Society will have more information available at its stall in Ravenscourt Park, and the group says public feedback will be vital as the feasibility study continues.
With the future of Hammersmith Bridge still uncertain, the autonomous shuttle proposal is emerging as one of the most talked-about alternatives — and Saturday’s event will give the community its first real opportunity to judge the idea for themselves.
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