Uber wins London licence after appeal

LONDON: Uber won a London court appeal allowing the ride-hailing giant to operate in the capital for the next 18 months.

Uber overturned Transport for London’s (TfL) refusal last year to renew its operating licence around the issue of unauthorised drivers. The company was permitted to continue operating in London during the appeal process. 

Despite pointing to Uber’s “historical failings”, judge Tan Ikram said Uber was “a fit and proper person” to hold a private hire vehicle operator’s licence in London. He noted that Uber had sought to explain how breaches had taken place and how they would be remedied.

Jamie Heywood, Uber’s general manager for northern and eastern Europe, said the decision is a recognition of the company’s commitment to safety. He admitted that Uber’s behaviour over the problem of unauthorised drivers had been wrong. 

TfL, which is chaired by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, acknowledged that Uber has implemented a number of changes to improve passenger safety.

It added in a statement: “This 18-month licence with a number of conditions allows us to closely monitor Uber’s adherence to the regulations and to swiftly take action if they fail to meet the required standards.”

The transport authority had argued that some Uber trips across London had taken place with unlicensed, suspended or dismissed drivers.

In court, the judge said Uber had tightened up review processes over issues of document and insurance fraud.

“Uber does not have a perfect record but it has been an improving picture,” Ikram added. “The test as to whether Uber are a ‘fit and proper person’ does not require perfection.”

“I am satisfied that they are doing what a reasonable business in their sector could be expected to do, perhaps even more,” the judge said.

Uber’s London operation has suffered previous licence suspensions in addition to protests from the capital’s traditional black cab drivers. Uber has 3.5 million customers and 45,000 drivers in the British capital.