Transport for London has been investigating Uber for some time, and when asked by the ride sharing platform to renew its licence – TfL declined.
The operating licence will not be renewed after 30th September 2017.
In Transport for London’s decision, Uber London Limited has been deemed as “not fit and proper” to hold a private hire operator licence. It judged 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.
Uber London can appeal this licensing decision within 21 days. More importantly, they can continue to operate until any and all appeals processes have been exhausted.
Sadiq Kahn – Mayor of London has weighed in, stating:
My response to @TfL’s licensing decision on Uber: https://t.co/x1s7m11L9h. https://t.co/hpkt1kmgMY pic.twitter.com/bwxxE6xNtN
— Mayor of London (@MayorofLondon) September 22, 2017
This will be a blow to Uber who are trying to clean up their act, and to its operators who might have to go back to mini-cabs to provide point to point transport. It”ll be a forgone conclusion that Uber will appeal the decision, and it will make some promises to clean up its services so it can hold a licence.
But Uber London will have to keep to that promise.
And sadly, whilst Uber is a brilliant platform, it needs to be a safe platform. Maybe this is another kick they need to put their act in order.
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