Uber licence not renewed
Uber will not be issued a new private hire licence, Transport for London (TfL) has announced.
In a damning statement, the transport authority said that its regulation of London’s taxi and private hire trades is designed to ensure passenger safety.
TfL said that it considers that Uber’s approach and conduct ‘demonstrate a lack of corporate responsibility in relation to a number of issues which have potential public safety and security implications’.
Uber has 21 days to appeal, during which it can continue to operate. The current licence expires on 30 September.
The GMB Union hailed the decision as a ‘historic victory’. Maria Ludkin, GMB’s legal director said, ‘No company can be behave like it’s above the law, and that includes Uber. No doubt other major cities will be looking at this decision and considering Uber’s future on their own streets.’
London Assembly member Andrew Boff classed the decision as ‘hugely damaging’ claiming that it will effectively put 40,000 people out of work at the click of a finger.
‘The Mayor consistently tells us London is open but in shutting down the operations of an innovative market leader like Uber he has caused immense reputational damage to our city as a global business hub.
‘With 3.5 million registered users – almost half the city’s adult population – Uber has shown to be providing a hugely beneficial service to Londoners.
‘London mayor Sadiq Khan has ignored their needs and instead believed the smears and propaganda propagated by Uber’s rivals.’
