Ride-hailing company Uber has won an appeal over a decision not to renew its licence, allowing it to operate in London.
In November last year, Transport for London elected not to grant Uber a new licence, striking a huge blow to the US firm. The decision not to renew was taken due to “several breaches that place passengers and their safety at risk”, TfL said in a statement.
Uber was nevertheless allowed to continue operating while the appeal process was under way. A four-day hearing was held at Westminster Magistrates' Court earlier this month.
In a written verdict on Monday, Judge Tan Ikram said "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". He also claimed Uber's systems and processes, previously called into question after a number of safety and security issues, had now been "adequately addressed".
The licence has now been granted for 18 months, meaning another application will have to be submitted after that time.
The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, acknowledged that TfL was "right" not to renew Uber's licence last winter and said he was pleased that improvements have been made. He added 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".
Other organisations are divided. While the App Drivers & Couriers Union claims the decision had secured 43,000 jobs, the Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association called the decision "a disaster".
A statement posted on Twitter said: "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."
READ MORE
Uber vs London cab vs sat-nav: which is best?
Join the debate
Add your comment
Protection racket
This is an appalling protectionist conspiracy from TFL and Unite, with an added little side order of racism. I'd far rather travel with a friendly, helpful Uber driver who's details I am able to know with 99.9% accuracy than subject myself, my wife or my Daughter to a Black cab. It's not that Black Cabs are universally bad, they are not, most are very good. However, there are a far higher proportion of bad apples amongst their number and little chance of tracing them. Just try enforcing their duty to carry you to some far outpost at a late hour, little chance I promise you. With Uber, no such problems. Technology has overtaken these Black cab guys as in so many areas of life and they are not exempt. Wake up and smell the coffee guys.
Can’t imagine Sydney without Uber
How would you get back from sporting events, parties, the pub, any drinking session? They are so much better than regular taxis, I would never call a cab. Always clean, new cars, polite drivers who never get lost (satnav) and about half the price of taxis.
No, in civilised countries, Uber (or its little competitor Ola) are part of the fabric of society. They have council defined pick up/drop off areas at airports, shopping malls, sports facilities etc.
All part of 21st century living. Cabs are an extension of 19th century thinking.
Robbo
A view from Down Under
Rubbish!
Absoulute rubbish - the taxi unions pressed their fellow leftys in the Gov't to force Uber out of the market. The left CANNOT tolerate opposition nor competition. Simple as that
absolutely correct!
absolutely correct!