Uber ‘failing’ to meet London regulatory demands for new licence - reports

The app-based ride-hailing service’s permit to operate in the capital runs out on Monday

A photo illustration shows a London taxi passing as the Uber app logo is displayed on a mobile telephone. Reuters

Uber is set to lose its permit to operate in London, according to media reports on Monday that suggested the company was not able to provide new undertakings on passenger safety and driver workloads.

The app-based ride hailing service is currently awaiting a decision by London transport officials Transport for London (TfL) on whether to renew its licence.

Uber’s licence in London is due to expire on Monday at midnight local time.

A TfL source was quoted by Sky News and LBC radio as saying that the regulator was “actively considering” banning Uber.

TfL revoked the San Francisco-based firm’s licence in 2017 saying its approach to reporting serious criminal offences and background checks on drivers made it unfit to run a taxi service in the British capital.

In a long-running battle, the decision was appealed and Uber won back its licence to operate in London in 2018. However, the firm was given a shorter probationary licence of 15-months, which was extended for two-months in September this year.

TfL are expected to decide by Monday afternoon whether to grant a further extension.

If TfL choose not to renew the licence, it does not mean that Uber will be banned from Tuesday. The firm will almost certainly appeal the decision and will be allowed to operate during the appeal process.

Uber said after the two-month extension was granted that it would introduce measures such as a discrimination button enabling drivers and riders to report abuse, enhanced safety training for drivers and a direct connection to the emergency services.

London is one of Uber’s biggest markets with an estimated 45,000 drivers in the city.

However, the firm is facing stiff competition from other app-based taxi services Bolt and Kapten.

The National has contacted Uber for comment.