FILE PHOTO: A photo illustration shows the Uber app and London themed postcards in London, Britain June 26, 2018.
LONDON: Uber has won a legal bid to restore its London operating licence which was taken away by the city’s transport regulator over safety concerns, after a judge decided on Monday (Sep 28) that it was a fit and proper operator.
Transport for London refused to grant the Silicon Valley-based company a new licence in 2019 due to what it called a “pattern of failures” and Uber argued it has since assuaged concerns over insurance verification and driver identification.
“Despite their historical failings, I find them, now, to be a fit and proper person to hold a London PHV (private hire vehicle) operator’s licence,” Judge Tan Ikram said in his written verdict.
“I do, however, wish to hear from the advocates on conditions and on my determination as to the length of a licence,” he said.
BLACK CAB DRIVERS PROTEST DECISION
The association representing London black cab drivers called the decision on Monday a “disaster” for the British capital.
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“Uber has demonstrated time and time again that it simply can’t be trusted to put the safety of Londoners, its drivers and other road users above profit,” the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association said in a statement.
“By holding up their hands and finally accepting some responsibility, Uber has managed to pull the wool over the eyes of the court and create a false impression that it has changed for the better.”
UBER SHARES RISE
Uber, which has apologised for mistakes it has made, has run into backlashes and regulatory challenges elsewhere, including in its home state of California.
Shares in Uber rose 6 per cent in pre-market US trading after the decision.
“This decision is a recognition of Uber’s commitment to safety and we will continue to work constructively with TfL,” Jamie Heywood, Uber’s boss for Northern and Eastern Europe, said.
In London, it faces a number of rivals, including Ola, Freenow and Bolt.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who also chairs TfL, warned Uber on Monday to stick to its obligations.
“I can assure Londoners that TfL will continue to closely monitor Uber and will not hesitate to take swift action should they fail to meet the strict standards required to protect passengers,” he said in a statement.
