Uber London Loses License To Operate

London is likely one of Uber’s biggest markets across the globe. Why wouldn’t it be, it’s a global city in the true essence of the world. Therefore it wouldn’t be good for the company’s interests if it wasn’t allowed to operate in London anymore. Unfortunately for Uber, that’s precisely what has happened. Uber London has lost its license to operate in the UK’s capital.

London’s transport authority TfL or Transport for London has confirmed that it’s not going to renew Uber’s license to operate in London. The license is going to expire at the end of this month so unless TfL reverses its decision, Uber cars will be off the road in London next month.

One of the factors that TfL considered while making this decision was that the company’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.”

Uber’s approach to medical certificates and serious criminal offences have also been cited as the reasons behind this ruling. Uber has 21 days to appeal this ruling and it will be able to operate in London until the appeals have been completed.

“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,” said Tom Elvidge, Uber’s general manager in London, adding that by banning Uber in London the city’s transport authority and mayor have “caved in to a small number of people who want to restrict customer choice.”

Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, supports TfL’s decision completely. “Providing an innovative service must not be at the expense of customer safety and security,” he said.

Adnan Farooqui
Categories: General
Tags: Uber