UK London’s transport regulator TfL (Transport for London) has rejected application of Uber to renew its license to operate in the city.UK London’s transport regulator TfL (Transport for London) has rejected application of Uber to renew its license to operate in the city.
In a statement today TfL said it has come to a conclusion that Uber is “not fit and proper to hold a private hire operator licence”.“TfL’s regulation of London’s taxi and private hire trades is designed to ensure passenger safety.
Private hire operators must meet rigorous regulations, and demonstrate to TfL that they do so, in order to operate. TfL must also be satisfied that an operator is fit and proper to hold a licence,” it said.As per reports, the regulator added 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” — including for the following issues:
• Its approach to reporting serious criminal offences.• Its approach to how medical certificates are obtained.
• Its approach to how Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks are obtained.
• Its approach to explaining the use of Greyball in London — software that could be used to block regulatory bodies from gaining full access to the app and prevent officials from undertaking regulatory or law enforcement duties TfL also noted that the Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998 includes provision to appeal a licensing decision within 21 days of it being issued, and confirmed that Uber can continue to operate until any appeal processes have been exhausted.
The current licence expires on 30 September but Uber has 21 days to appeal and can continue to operate until that process expires, as reported by the Guardian.Transport for London said that it had rejected the US ride-hailing company’s application to renew its licence because “Uber’s approach and conduct demonstrate a lack of corporate responsibility” in relation to reporting serious criminal offences, obtaining medical certificates and driver background checks.
The licensing body further said it was concerned by Uber’s use of of Greyball, software that can be used to block regulatory bodies from gaining full access to its app and undertaking regulatory or law enforcement duties.
The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has fully supported the decision to revoke Uber’s licence, saying all companies needed to “play by the rules”.Khan said: “I want London to be at the forefront of innovation and new technology and to be a natural home for exciting new companies that help Londoners by providing a better and more affordable service.“However, all companies in London must play by the rules and adhere to the high standards we expect –particularly when it comes to the safety of customers.
Providing an innovative service must not be at the expense of customer safety and security.“I fully support TfL’s decision – it would be wrong if TfL continued to license Uber if there is any way that this could pose a threat to Londoners’ safety and security.”Uber said in a statement criticized the decision and said would “show the world that, far from being open, London is closed to innovative companies”.“3.5 million Londoners who use our app, and more than 40,000 licensed drivers who rely on Uber to make a living, will be astounded by this decision,” the company added.
“To defend the livelihoods of all those drivers, and the consumer choice of millions of Londoners who use our app, we intend to immediately challenge this in the courts.”Uber Technologies Inc. is an American technology company headquartered in San Francisco, California, United States, operating in 633 cities worldwide. It develops, markets and operates the Uber car transportation in several parts of the world.