“TfL has concluded that Uber London Limited is not fit and proper to hold a private hire operator licence,” said the organization. “TfL considers that Uber’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.” TfL then elaborated on several aspects of Uber that break regulations, including its approach to reporting criminal offenses. It also criticized its approach to medical certificates and DBS checks. Another serious concern was Uber’s use of Greyball in London. The software is used to deny certain users rides, but could also block regulatory bodies and officials.
Uber Response
In response to the ruling, Uber’s Tom Elvidge highlighted the loss of employment and customer choice. “By wanting to ban our app from the capital, Transport for London and the Mayor have caved in to a small number of people who want to restrict consumer choice,” said the general manager of Uber in London. “If this decision stands, it will put more than 40,000 licensed drivers out of work and deprive Londoners of a convenient and affordable form of transport.” “To defend the livelihoods of all those drivers, and the consumer choice of millions of Londoners who use our app, we intend to immediately challenge this in the courts.” Though Uber’s license will technically expire on September 30th, the company will able to operate legally until the appeals process ends.
