TfL Once Again Rejects Giving Uber A Full Licence

Harry Rosehill
By Harry Rosehill Last edited 54 months ago

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TfL Once Again Rejects Giving Uber A Full Licence
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TfL has once again refused to grant ride-hailing app Uber with a full licence to operate in London.

Instead TfL has issued a two month licence with some new conditions for passenger safety: they cover ride sharing and appropriate insurance and driver document checks by Uber. That last point is particularly pertinent considering Westminster Magistrates Court fined Uber £28,800 earlier this year for using drivers without appropriate insurance.

TfL ruled just before Uber's licence was set to expire, on Wednesday 25 September at 23.59.

So what does this mean for Uber's customers and employees? TfL believes this decision is in their best interest. TfL sees itself as reforming and improving Uber, and it believes the original decision not to grant the ride-sharing app a full licence in 2017 has led to the firm improving its culture and governance.

A TfL spokesperson said:

Uber London Limited has been granted a two-month private hire operator licence to allow for scrutiny of additional information that we are requesting ahead of consideration of any potential further licensing application.

Responding to TfL's decision Jamie Heywood, Regional General Manager for Northern & Eastern Europe, said:

TfL's recognition of our improved culture and governance reflects the progress we have made in London. We will continue to work closely with TfL and provide any additional requested information.

Over the past two years, we've launched a range of new safety features in the app, introduced better protections for drivers and our Clean Air Plan is helping to tackle air pollution.

We will keep listening, learning and improving to provide the best service while being a trusted partner to London.

Last Updated 24 September 2019