Who gives way to who? Will the robot recognise me as a pedestrian and steer round me?

Robots from Starship Technologies are seen ever more frequently on the streets  - but what is their status?

They're not easy to track down in the Highway Code!

Living Streets urges the government to bring in national regulations in order to clarify their legality.

Catherine Woodhead, Chief Executive, Living Streets said: 

“At Living Streets, we believe that pavements are for people, and the operation of robots puts the safety of pedestrians at risk – particularly for those with mobility issues.

“Our pavements are already lousy with dangerous obstacles, from pavement parking to wheelie bins, preventing many disabled people from leaving their homes.

“It’s also deeply concerning that delivery robots are allowed to operate on pavements with no authority – something that would be unthinkable for a vehicle on our roads. Living Streets is calling on the government not to legalise delivery robots – and to put a stop to the pavement overload.”

Questions in the Lords

A written question about whether delivery robots comply with highway law was asked in the Lords by Lord Berkeley on 18th May 2026

The answer on the 2nd June 2026 from Lord Hendy at the DfT was hardly inspiring...

 The Government recognises the current legal framework does not provide the certainty businesses need to invest, which is why we have committed to introduce a new Low-speed Zero Emission Vehicle category to regulate micromobility vehicles, including pavement robots, when Parliamentary time allows. This regulation will also be designed to ensure any negative impacts to blind and partially sighted people are mitigated.

The Micromobility Team in the Department for Transport is responsible for pavement robots, and there are currently no staff dedicated to working solely on delivery robot policy, with work on this policy area being conducted as business-as-usual activity by officials with wider responsibilities.

You can read more in this BBC article from the 1st July 2026