Dear Sir,

The recent limited industrial action by taxi drivers in response to the proposal to allow tourists to rent small electric quadricycles was possibly understandable if not anticipated. This is arguably a long overdue move and tourists, particularly those over the age of 55, have never felt comfortable renting scooters, which are, we all know, inherently dangerous. So for them, the quadricycle rental would be a huge benefit.

We are making efforts to make Bermuda a more tourist-friendly destination — and this surely would be a step in the right direction.

However, taxi drivers in Bermuda and around the globe must be aware that, by 2020 or 2021 if not sooner, the noble profession of taxi driver is likely to come to an end — totally and for ever, albeit gradually.

Not only does Tesla have advanced so-called autopilot technology today, but most other automobile groups are equally advanced with their self-driving technology.

It would thus not be surprising if, by 2020, a great percentage of cars and taxis will have self-driving capability. Which means that tourists and locals needing a taxi will require them only to use their smartphones to call a cab, which will arrive rapidly without a taxi driver and deliver them, on autopilot, to their desired destination.

Advances in technology are inevitable and, historically, part of the human condition. Yes, this would be a huge, almost unprecedented, devastating and disruptive advance in technology, which is likely to eliminate, effectively, the profession of taxi driver.

Thus, taxi drivers may wish to consider preparing themselves over the next five years for this inevitable, albeit unwelcome, day.

ROBERT CAVENDISH