Uber may lose its license to operate in London as the transport authority, Transport for London (TfL,) might not renew their license which expires at the end of this month on September 30. According to TfL, “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.”
Uber has faced major criticism in London from unions, lawmakers and traditional black cab drivers regarding serious criminal offenses, medical certificates, disclosure and barring checks. TfL also cited the company uses Greyball software to provide a map of fake cars to users and block regulatory bodies from gaining full access to Uber’s app. According to the Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998, the company has 21 days to appeal the ruling and can continue to operate in London until all appeal processes have been exhausted.
Uber had to quit several other countries including Denmark and Hungary due to policy changes and fierce competition. Currently, close to 3.5 million Londoners use Uber and around 40,000 drivers operating on its platform may lose their jobs. The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan fully supported TfL’s decision and said all companies must play by the rules and adhere to the high standards particularly when it comes to the safety of the customers.“Providing an innovative service must not be at the expense of customer safety and security,” he added.
The companies license was extended in May for four months till TfL came to a final decision. A cross party group of MPs also wrote to the transport authority earlier this month asking to strip Uber of its license to operate in the capital city. London’s Met Police also accused the company of failing to report sex attacks by the drivers on its platform.
Uber has endured a turbulent year so far after facing continuous scandals and controversies. Founder and former CEO Travis Kalanick resigned in June this year and after months of searching, former Expedia CEO Dara Khosrowshahi took over the mantel last month.