This archive report was first published on 25 November 2019.
Uber's taxi-hailing services in London have come to a crossroads. On November 25, 2019, Transport for London (TfL) refused to renew the company's two-month temporary license, effectively revoking its operational license in the city.
The decision marks a significant setback for the American multinational ride-hailing company, which has been at odds with TfL over safety concerns. In 2017, TfL initially denied Uber an operational license, citing issues with the company's approach to reporting serious criminal offenses, obtaining drivers' medical certificates, and conducting criminal record checks.
However, Uber was granted a 15-month license extension and later received a two-month probationary extension in September 2019, which expired on November 24, 2019. Despite these extensions, TfL expressed concerns over Uber's continued use of Greyball software, which allegedly blocked regulatory bodies from accessing the company's app for law enforcement purposes.
TfL's Director of Licensing, Regulation and Charging, Helen Chapman, stated, '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, however, remains defiant, with regional general manager for Northern & Eastern Europe, Jamie Heywood, asserting, 'We have fundamentally changed our business over the last two years and are setting the standard on safety. Over the last two months we have audited every driver in London and further strengthened our processes.'
Uber will appeal the decision, allowing its services to continue uninterrupted throughout the process.
