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The transport regulator in London (Transport For London) has said that it will nor be renewing the private hire operator license issued to Uber London Limited.
The current license expires on 30 September 2017 and Uber had 21 days to appeal the decision during which time it can continue to operate. It’s also worth noting that, should Uber appeal, it will be allowed to operate throughout the appeals process.
The full statement from Transport For London reads as follows:
Transport for London (TfL) has today (Friday 22 September) informed Uber London Limited that it will not be issued with a private hire operator licence after expiry of its current licence on 30 September.
TfL’s regulation of London’s taxi and private hire trades is designed to ensure passenger safety. Private hire operators must meet rigorous regulations, and demonstrate to TfL that they do so, in order to operate. TfL must also be satisfied that an operator is fit and proper to hold a licence.
TfL has concluded that Uber London Limited is not fit and proper to hold a private hire operator licence.
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. These include:
- Its approach to reporting serious criminal offences.
- Its approach to how medical certificates are obtained.
- Its approach to how Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks are obtained.
- Its approach to explaining the use of Greyball in London – software that could be used to block regulatory bodies from gaining full access to the app and prevent officials from undertaking regulatory or law enforcement duties.
The Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998 includes provision to appeal a licensing decision within 21 days of it being communicated to the applicant. Uber London Limited can continue to operate until any appeal processes have been exhausted.
No further comment will be made by TfL pending any appeal of this decision.
Thoughts
This must be a huge blow to Uber. London is not only one of the western hemisphere’s largest cities but it’s also one of the most visited and Uber has been reaping rewards since it first started operating in London five years ago.
The fact that TfL has pointed to issues involving the reporting of criminal offences and issues surrounding software designed to impede investigations by regulatory bodies suggests that this isn’t just a slap on the wrist….this looks like it’s more than that.
This news is very raw right now and, at the time of writing, there has been no response from Uber (who will no doubt appeal) but this will be a very interesting story to follow. (Update: BBC is reporting that Uber will “immediately challenge” the decision).
