Transport regulators in London announced that they would not be renewing app-based taxi service Uber’s licence to operate in the city last week, citing concerns over public safety and security.
Uber’s global chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi is set to fly over to the British capital to talk with Transport for London (TfL) Mike Brown next Tuesday, in a bid to get the company’s licence back.
More than 800,000 Londoners have signed an online petition opposing the ban, which is addressed to London’s mayor Sadiq Khan.
Mr Khan, who chairs TfL, supported the regulators’ decision but has asked representatives to make themselves available for talks with Uber after the company issued an open apology to its customers.
Why has TfL withdrawn Uber’s licence to operate?
Transport for London, the body that issues licences to private hire and taxi services in Britain’s capital, have said that Uber is not “fit and proper” to operate.
TfL have cited concerns over passenger safety as well as the company’s record on reporting offences alleged against its drivers to the police. Scotland Yard received 48 allegations of sexual assaults by drivers against passengers in London in the year to February 2017.
When does the Uber ban start?
Uber’s current licence expires on September 30. The decision by TfL not to renew the licence from that period onwards was made on September 22.
Does that mean I can’t use Uber from September 30?
No. Uber is allowed to continue operating during a 21-day grace period, starting from September 30. Effectively, this means passengers will be able to carry on using the service for an additional three weeks.
Uber has the option to appeal the decision in this time and will be allowed to operate until the legal process is concluded, meaning that Uber could be on the streets of London for a while yet.
Will Uber be launching an appeal?
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi has said the company will be appealing the decision.
How many drivers does Uber employ in London?
Uber says it employs 40,000 drivers across and has 3.5 million passengers, which makes London the company’s biggest European market.
Will the ban affect Uber Eats?
No, it will not impact upon Uber Eats or the other towns and cities that the service operates in across the United Kingdom.
_______________
Read more:
[ On the move: why London's black cabs are Uber and out ]
[ Uber ban: London’s mayor ‘pleased’ as taxi firm’s CEO issues apology ]
_______________
