UBER is set to trial driverless robotaxis in London next spring, where passengers could be driven by artificial intelligence (AI) in place of a human.

The ride-hailing app has partnered with UK AI firm Wayve, which has been testing autonomous vehicles in the capital with human oversight.

Alamy

A driverless car being tested by Uber in Pittsburgh, PA[/caption]

Getty

Uber has previously said it intends to introduce fleets of driverless cars to its UK app as soon as legislation allows[/caption]

The pilot will be the first of its kind for the company, Uber said in a statement.

It is not yet clear whether the vehicles in Uber’s trial will be available for customers to use.

The company said it is still working out the details.

If all goes well, passengers may soon be able to take Uber rides without a safety driver present.

Uber has previously said it intends to introduce fleets of driverless cars to its UK app as soon as legislation allows.

Such journeys have become commonplace in the US, namely San Francisco, home to Google’s driverless taxi firm Waymo.

Andrew MacDonald, president and chief operating officer of Uber, said the partnership with Wayve would help “to make autonomy a safe and reliable option for riders everywhere.”

“This is a defining moment for UK autonomy,” Wayve CEO and co-founder Alex Kendall said in a statement.

“With Uber and a global OEM partner, we’re preparing to put our AI Driver technology into real service on the streets of London.”

The trial has been made possible following a change in UK regulation that aims to get driverless cars on the road sooner.

The UK government was originally aiming for the tech to come to British roads in 2026, then the date was changed to the second half of 2027.

However, the government’s new stance is that it wants them on the roads sooner, and so it’s introducing an accelerated framework for small autonomous “bus and taxi like” commercial services.

The legislation will require self-driving vehicles to achieve a level of safety at least as high as “competent and careful human drivers”, the Department for Transport (DfT) said.

Driverless vehicles are hoped to reduce road deaths and injuries, as their systems will be more fault-proof than humans.

The development of automated vehicle technology could create 38,000 jobs in the UK and add £42billion to the economy by 2035, according to the DfT.

It’s unclear how many customers will opt for a driverless vehicle over a car with a human behind the wheel.

The experience still appears fairly daunting – even for The Sun’s Assistant Technology and Science Editor, Jamie Harris, who travelled in one of Waymo’s robotaxis last year.

It comes as Uber plans to take on the skies over Italy’s Amalfi Coast.

The company has announced that high-flying customers will be able to book helicopters in minutes.

From 26 July to 23 August, travellers on Italy’s Amalfi Coast can reserve a private Uber Copter to ferry them between Sorrento and Capri.

Using the Uber app, passengers can book helicopter travel for €250 (around £184) per head to beat summer crowds.

Getty

It comes as Uber plans to take on the skies over Italy’s Amalfi Coast[/caption]

Getty

The trial has been made possible following a change in UK regulation that aims to get driverless cars on the road sooner[/caption]

FRENCH league star Daniel Congre has been rushed to hospital – after being found at home with a stab wound.

The central defender has made over 550 appearances for Toulouse, Montpellier and Dijon.

Getty

Daniel Congre was found with a stab wound at home[/caption]

Getty

He almost joined Aston Villa in 2016[/caption]

Congre, 40, became Lyon‘s sporting coordinator after hanging up his boots last year.

But emergency services raced to his home at Perols, near Montpellier, on Monday after concerns were raised for his welfare.

Toulouse-born Congre was reportedly found unconscious with a severe stab wound close to his heart.

Montpellier police have opened an enquiry into the incident, which took place near the city’s airport.

Congre joined Montpellier straight after their surprise Ligue 1 title win in 2012, and went on to captain the side.

Aston Villa considered signing him in January 2016, while he had attracted interest from Crystal Palace and West Brom the previous spring.

Able to operate in central defence or on either flank, he won seven Under-21 caps for France.

Congre, whose parents hail from the French Caribbean, later received a senior call-up from Guadeloupe.

Despite this, he failed to make their squad for the 2009 Concacaf Gold Cup.

A source close to the now-retired player said on Tuesday morning that his condition had become more stable.

But enquiries continue into whether Congre’s injuries were self-inflicted or a third party was involved.

NEW plans have been revealed for a seaside development project – months after the council blocked proposals.

The seaside town was named Time Out’s top place to visit in the UK in 2025, as stats suggest it is one of the world’s most ‘up and coming’ beach destinations.

Folkestone Harbour & Seafront Development Company

The plans were narrowly rejected by the local council in January of this year[/caption]

Folkestone Harbour & Seafront Development Company

A total of 84 luxury beachfront properties have already been built at the site[/caption]

Folkestone Harbour & Seafront Development Company

The revised proposals could bring significant change the seaside town[/caption]

Folkestone harbour and seafront could undergo a significant transformation if development plans are approved.

While Sir Roger De Haan’s Folkestone Harbour and Seafront Development Company has already made significant changes to the area – they are still awaiting approval for the eastern section of the seafront.

The company previously submitted development plans in January which were narrowly refused.

Councillors voted 5-4 to reject the application, expressing concerns about the design, heritage impacts and housing affordability.

Public response was less favourable, with 96% of comments on the council’s planning portal objecting to the proposals.

After making revisions to the plans that address the councillors’ concerns, FHSDC is hoping the new proposal will be approved at a planning committee meeting on June 17.

One of the most drastic changes between the proposals is a 50 per cent increase in public parking provisions.

The increase correlates to 323 proposed public spaces, up from 215 in the original proposal – as well as a car club that should reduce pressure on residential parking.

They have also made alterations for the proposed plan to build 410 homes and 54 commercial units.

This will include 53 affordable homes, intended for shared ownership in order to meet affordability needs – as the original proposal faced backlash for failing to address local social issues.

The new proposal includes more three-bedroom homes, as well as moving one of the proposed buildings away from the harbour station to “better respect” its historic setting.

84 beachfront properties have already been built, with prices ranging from £430,000 to £2.1 million.

FHSDC released a statement clarifying the restrictions they faced under the council’s Local Plan.

The statement from FHSDC reads: “The original permission dictated, for example, the maximum and minimum height of the buildings, and a maximum and minimum number of homes we can build, and these cannot be changed through a Reserved Matters Application.

“Any revised plans must remain within these, and other, parameters.”

Local residents had previously expressed concern about the project’s design, as well as the lack of affordable housing.

One particularly outspoken resident, Georgina Baker, campaigned against the development as she believed it was “not the right development for the harbour” and that the “community deserves more.”

However, FHSDC consultants believe the development would do more good for the area, with an emphasis on social benefit.

The proposal includes a new Section 106 agreement to contribute £5.19 million to local services including children’s play areas, GPs, schools, social care, libraries and youth services.

This is in addition to the amount promised in the original proposal, bringing the total contribution to £8.72 million.

It is estimated that the development could generate 760 long-term jobs, boost the local economy by £21 million each year, and generate £148 million during construction.

With the luxury accommodation expected to attract wealthy residents, it is estimated to bring £9.4 million in annual spending, with almost £1 million in further tax revenue.

FHSDC told Kent Online that they hoped to correct the misinformation about the historic buildings on the development site.

A spokesperson said: “Ten years ago, the original outline planning permission provided for the demolition of the station, Customs House and Signal Box.

“At the time, these buildings were dangerous and inaccessible to the public.

“Sir Roger De Haan decided to restore and retain the station rather than demolish it and to prioritise its place in the development.”

In addition to the residential properties, the development would create 7,489 square metres of commercial space used for leisure facilities, restaurants, bars and retail outlets.

The upcoming planning meeting will decide the fate of the remaining section of the project.

It comes as other areas of Folkestone are undergoing their own redevelopment.

A £20 million revamp is set to turn the bus station into a central park – complete with a plaza area, fountains and surrounding gardens.

The town’s Lower Leas funicular is also undergoing a £6.6 million restoration – with the hopes it will be reopened by early 2026 after it closed nearly 10 years ago.

STARING at yet another pregnancy test, Erica Coronado was thrilled but terrified.

The 36-year-old had given up hope of a baby after two years of trying and the agony of a stillbirth.

Supplied

Erica Coronado got the news she was pregnant after starting fat jabs in 2023[/caption]

Supplied

Supplied

Erica, pictured with her husband, Joseph Leyton, 26, had been pregnant in 2020 but gave birth to a stillborn[/caption]

So seeing two lines appear on the tests “felt like a dream” for her and husband Joseph Leyton, 26.

Yet they were then gripped by fear — as a month earlier Erica had started taking “fat jab” Ozempic.

Erica, now 37, tells The Sun: “I was worried my baby might have a defect, or worse.”

Desperate for reassurance, Erica turned to TikTok and a Facebook group of other mums who had given birth to “Ozempic babies”.

One new mum posted: “I lost so much sleep thinking something will go wrong.”

Others feared the jabs could be the next thalidomide — a drug given for morning sickness in the late Fifties and early Sixties, that caused severe birth defects.

Erica already had children Alexa, 14, and Jordon, 19, from a previous relationship but she and husband Joseph were desperate for a baby of their own.

But in 2019, aged 30, she had been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common hormone disorder making it harder to conceive.

Agonising stillbirth

She did get pregnant in 2020 but developed pre-eclampsia and was forced to give birth to her stillborn baby.

“It left such a huge hole in my heart that I thought would never be filled,” she says.

“I really started to believe it might never happen again.”

Fearing she may never conceive, Erica focused on something she felt she could control — her weight.

Shortly before her PCOS diagnosis, a symptom of which is weight gain, she had piled on the pounds and reached 16st 4lb.

So, in 2023, fed up with diet fails, she started on Ozempic, which mimics the gut hormone GLP-1 that is released after eating and works to slow food’s movement through the gut so you feel full for longer.

Ozempic is approved in the UK only for type 2 diabetes but in the US off-label for weight loss. In the UK, its equivalent Wegovy is licensed for weight loss, as is Mounjaro.

In just two months, Erica lost 15lb but also noticed she had missed two periods — and a pregnancy test proved positive.

‘Little miracle’

Despite her fears, Erica counts herself lucky as she welcomed her perfectly healthy baby girl, Mariana Jo last year — and hails her “my little miracle”.

“It’s so wonderful to have a baby in the house again,” she gushes.

“Mariana Jo laughs at everything and has developed a fondness for animals. While she will never replace the baby we lost, she brings so much joy to all of us.”

But Erica was right to worry — we do not know the effects the “miracle” weight-loss injections might have on unborn babies.

More research is needed into how GLP-1 injections like semaglutide — the drug in Wegovy and Ozempic — and tirzepatide, in Mounjaro, affect pregnancy.

Supplied

Erica welcomed her perfectly healthy baby girl, Mariana Jo last year[/caption]

Supplied

AP

The mum started Ozempic after being fed up with diet fails[/caption]

And health chiefs warned last week the drugs must NOT be taken during pregnancy, so women using them should also use contraception.

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency says: “Taking the medicine could cause harm to the baby.”

Data from animal studies suggests potential for harm, with low birth weight and skeletal abnormalities

Professor Rebecca ReynoldsUniversity of Edinburgh

Professor Rebecca Reynolds at the University of Edinburgh adds: “There is hardly any data from human studies to advise if these drugs are safe in pregnancy.

“Data from animal studies suggests potential for harm, with low birth weight and skeletal abnormalities.”

Dr Bassel Wattar, a consultant gynaecologist at Anglia Ruskin University says it is rare for pregnant women to join trials like this, as it can be “riskier and more expensive”.

But studies of rats found semaglutide caused early pregnancy loss and birth defects. Similar was seen in rabbits and monkeys.

However, The Sun’s resident GP, Dr Zoe Williams, says: “It’s not really plausible that these drugs could be the ‘next thalidomide’, due to the pharmacology.

“The GLP-1 [weight-loss] drugs are peptides that work by mimicking natural, existing, small proteins in our bodies. In contrast, thalidomide is a drug that can affect blood vessel growth.

“The reason for this new advice is that we don’t have enough safety data to know if the medicines could cause harm to the baby.

“But it is not likely they would cause such significant birth defects as seen with thalidomide.

“The fact that so far no evidence of danger to the baby has been seen, despite many women getting pregnant on them, is tentatively reassuring.”

In fact, the medicines seem to make women MORE fertile and, in the right hands, could prove the most effective treatment for infertility we have seen in decades, experts have told The Sun.

‘Happy side effect’

Dr Nerys Astbury, Associate Professor of Diet and Obesity at the University of Oxford, tells us: “It could be that these medicines improve conception chances, we don’t know yet.”

Dr Wattar says: “It’s not the medication itself but the weight-loss that helps regulate a woman’s hormones, allowing her ovaries to function properly again. Pregnancy is more of a happy side effect.”

He now prescribes fat jabs to women with PCOS, adding: “We have found in our clinic these injections are the superior method to help women reach a healthy weight quickly, improving their chances of pregnancy.”

But in line with MHRA guidance, he takes his patients OFF the drugs up to two months before couples try to get pregnant.

Dr Astbury agrees with Dr Wattar and says: “The weight loss triggered by obesity medicines is likely to be driving these pregnancies, rather than the drugs.

“Losing even a small amount of weight can be enough to reverse infertility.”

There should be clearer warnings so women don’t accidentally fall pregnant

Erica

Meanwhile Erica, from California, credits her jabs with helping her conceive, and is calling for greater awareness of their fertility-boosting effects.

She was prescribed Ozempic by her doctor, but never told it could affect her chance of having a baby.

“There should be clearer warnings so women don’t accidentally fall pregnant,” she warns.

The drugs’ makers, Eli Lilly (Mounjaro) and Novo Nordisk (Wegovy and Ozempic) advise women who are pregnant, or trying, to not use the medication — and Dr Astbury says: “Medics prescribing these medications should be advising women to use effective forms of contraception.”

MHRA also warns Mounjaro may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives in people with obesity, and recommends non-oral forms of contraception such as the implant, coil or condoms. It also says that weight-loss jabs must not be used by mums who are breastfeeding.

It also says weight-loss jabs must not be used by mums who are breastfeeding.

Dr Alison Cave, MHRA chief safety officer, says: “Skinny jabs are licensed to treat specific medical conditions and should not be used as aesthetic or cosmetic treatments.”

A Novo Nordisk spokesman told us: “There is limited data with semaglutide use in pregnant women to inform risk for adverse outcomes.

Semaglutide should be discontinued in women at least two months before a planned pregnancy, and not used in pregnancy.”

A spokesman for Mounjaro maker Eli Lily said: “This should not be used in pregnancy, and it is recommended to use contraception while using this.”

Supplied

Supplied

A JOCKEY whose dad died in a tragic fall just days before he was born is rocketing up the ranks – banging in winners for Willie Mullins.

Sean Cleary-Farrell has three winners from just four rides for the all-conquering Irish trainer this year.

Sportsfile

Sportsfile

He notched his first career double aboard Mullins‘ odds-on hotshots Spanish Harlem and Keep Up at Punchestown on Sunday.

Mullins’ right-hand man David Casey was full of praise for Cleary-Farrell after.

And he hinted he could get the leg up in some big-money races aboard Spanish Harlem – who was fourth in the bet365 Gold Cup – when the new season gets going properly.

He said: “Sean is in Willie’s full-time and is a good rider and works hard.

“He took a couple weeks off and rode a winner on the Flat in France.

“These days are for lads like him. He’s getting his chance and he’s taking it with both hands.

“Sean gave Spanish Harlem a good ride and he kept galloping well.

“I’d say nicer ground suits him and obviously those extended trips. He ran a real good race at Sandown.

“I’d say he’ll be looking at races like the Kerry National and Munster National.”

Cleary-Farrell’s rapid success is doubly impressive given the heartbreaking circumstances surrounding his father’s death aged just 22.

Sean Cleary was one of Ireland’s ‘leading young riders’ and described as a ‘one-of-a-kind’ talent when he was killed in a race at Galway in October 2003.

Tragically, Sean Jnr was born just two months after his father passed as a result of severe head injuries suffered in the spill.

Describing his father, Cleary-Farrell said on The Irish Field: “My late father Sean died tragically following a fall at Galway, a couple of months before I was born.

“Unfortunately, there are very few videos or DVDs of his rides but photos of his winners still adorn the walls of my grandparents’ house.

“Growing up I was always aware of who he was and what an accomplished jockey he had been during his short career.”

Mullins took Cleary-Farrell under his wing at Closutton and the conditional jockey says he loves it there.

The Irish handler has also started giving more rides to the hugely promising Anna McGuinness, who had another winner under the Mullins banner last weekend.

Given the superstars they ride out at Mullins’ HQ every day, it’s no surprise they’re finding it relatively easy work on the racecourse proper.

Speaking after his latest win, Cleary-Farrell said: “I can’t describe how I feel, it will take me a while to come down off this cloud.

“A big thank you to Willie for giving me the opportunity to ride these horses, he’s looking after me.”

Sounds like they’ll be looking out for each other in the winner’s enclosure for many months, and hopefully years, to come.

FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.

---

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chases their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

ONE of the UK’s busiest airports has revealed plans for millions more passengers a year.

London Stansted Airport is currently undergoing a major £1.1billion expansion.

Alamy

Stansted Airport is set to increase the passenger capacity[/caption]

And the airport is now seeking approval for an expansion that would allow up to 51million passengers a year by 2040.

The airport capacity currently allows around 47million passengers.

If given the go-ahead, it would make the airport the third busiest in the UK, behind London Heathrow and London Gatwick.

The expansion plans so not include an additional runway, unlike Heathrow and Gatwick, due to the lack of surrounding space.

And the current limit of 274,000 flights a year won’t be increased either.

However, improvements made to the train services as well as road access would be improved.

The airport’s Managing Director Gareth Powell said: “We have an exciting and ambitious vision for London Stansted and how we best serve our region.

“We have already kicked off our five-year £1.2 billion investment programme to transform the airport, and if this application is approved, we will be able to unlock even more local opportunities and improvements over the next 20 years.”

Last year, Stansted handled nearly 30million passengers – a record for the airport.

The airport offers flights to more than 200 destinations including long-haul flights to Dubai and Barbados.

New routes this year including Ryanair’s flights to Reggio Calabria as well as TUI‘s Enfidha this summer.

And Royal Air Maroc’s new flights to Casablanca start this month.

London Stansted’s £1.1billion expansion includes an extended main terminal, as well as a bigger security hall and gate rooms.

Works have already started and hope to be complete within three years.

All of London’s airports have revealed huge expansion plans in the next decade.

London Heathrow is campaigning for a third runway, which would increase the current 80million passenger capacity to 140million a year.

London Gatwick wants to convert its second runway to welcome larger passenger aircraft, increasing capacity from 55million to 75million.

And London Luton has plans to increase capacity from 19million passengers to 32milllion passengers.

Here’s everything you need to know about Manchester Airport’s massive expansion as well.

Alamy

London Stansted Airport is currently the fourth busiest in the UK[/caption]

A WOMAN has pleaded guilty to killing a 14-month-old boy at nursery.

Noah Sibanda tragically passed away following an “incident” at Fairytales Day Nursery in Dudley, West Midlands.

PA

Noah tragically died at nursery[/caption]

Nursery practitioner Kimberley Cookson, 22, has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter following the horror.

She appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court today where pleaded guilty to the charge.

Deborah Latewood, 54 – director and business owner – denied one count of failing to comply with general duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Fairytales Nursery Limited also pleaded not guilty to one count of corporate manslaughter and failing to comply with a duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act.  

Judge Michael Chambers KC said Latewood and the company would face a trial, likely to be in 2026, but did not set a date.

Cookson was released on unconditional bail to be sentenced upon conclusion of the trial.

The horror unfolded on December 9, 2022, at the nursery, which has since closed down.

Noah was rushed to hospital but sadly he could not be saved and died shortly after.

His mum Masi Sibanda previously paid tribute to her “lovable” son.

She described Noah as a “handsome, beautiful, cute boy” who was very “lovable” and always smiling.

Masi added: “I know parents are biased, but he was so beautiful.

He was calm, very relaxed and quite chilled and unfazed by things. We would find him just chilling with his arm behind his head.

“He was very easy-going and he made it easy as a first-time parent.”

Handout

Noah’s mum previously paid tribute[/caption]

AFLW great Erin Phillips has made history, joining her father Greg Phillips as Australian Football Hall of Fame members, as Ken Farmer was made a legend.

Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir says the club will weigh up whether to tag-team star ruckman Tristan Xerri or go with a solo ruck against North Melbourne on Saturday. 

A state government has vowed to introduce sweeping new laws to crack down on street gangs, and expand police powers to tackle crime rates.