Uber loses London licence

Transport for London has not granted Uber a new licence to operate in London.

While TfL recognised that Uber had taken positive steps since first losing its licence in the city in 2017, it said it was still not “fit and proper” and that the safety of passengers was at risk.

TfL said there was a “pattern of failures” at Uber, including a change to Uber’s systems which allowed unauthorised drivers to upload their photos to other Uber driver accounts.

The regulator also found dismissed or suspended drivers had been able to create Uber accounts and carry passengers.

Helen Chapman, director of licensing at TfL, said: “While we recognise Uber has made improvements, it is unacceptable that Uber has allowed passengers to get into minicabs with drivers who are potentially unlicensed and uninsured.”

Uber will appeal the decision and will be allowed to operate during the appeal process.