The licence is revoked at the end of September.
Transport for London has told Uber that they ‘will not be issued with a private hire operator licence’ because they found it was ‘not fit and proper’.
Uber has 21 days to appeal the decision.
TfL is changing the fees for operating licences based on the size of private hire firms’ operations, in a bid to meet the rising cost of regulation.
Transport for London says it will not renew taxi app Uber's licence to operate in London
— Sky News Breaking (@SkyNewsBreak) September 22, 2017
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan supports TFL decision & says "providing innovative service must not be at expense of customer safety & security"
— Sky News Breaking (@SkyNewsBreak) September 22, 2017
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said that: ‘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. 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.”
He added: “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.Any operator of private hire services in London needs to play by the rules.”
The Tfl added that they consider “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.”
Taxi unions and black cab drivers have previously been critical of Uber due to their working conditions while other residents believe that they’ve added to London’s traffic congestion.
https://twitter.com/TfL/status/911168235189489669
The GMB Union hailed Friday’s decision as a “historic victory”.
“As a result of sustained pressure from drivers and the public, Uber has suffered yet another defeat – losing its license to operate in London. 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,” said Maria Ludkin, GMB’s legal director.
Uber have replied by saying that Transport for London has “caved in to a small number of people who want to restrict consumer choice.” They’re expected to challenge the ruling.
