Uber's licence cancelled in London: Where the cab service went wrong
In what can only be considered a huge blow to the San Francisco-based cab aggregator, Uber’s application for a fresh licence to operate in London has been rejected. According to multiple reports, the reason behind the non-renewal of the licence is that the company has not been a “fit and proper” operator.
"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," said Transport for London (TfL), the city's transport regulator, in a statement.
“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,” the statement added.
London mayor Sadiq Khan has backed this decision, and has issued a statement that says:
I want London to be at the forefront of innovation and new technology and to be a natural home for exciting new companies that help Londoners by providing a better and more affordable service.
However, all companies in London must play by the rules and adhere to the high standards we expect – particularly when it comes to the safety of customers. Providing an innovative service must not be at the expense of customer safety and security.
I fully support TfL’s decision – it would be wrong if TfL continued to license Uber if there is any way that this could pose a threat to Londoners’ safety and security.
Any operator of private hire services in London needs to play by the rules.
Sadly, not just the company, London's transport regulator stripping Uber of its licence to operate post September 30 will affect more than 40,000 drivers who work for the tech company.
Uber’s fault
A Reuters report says that Uber has faced criticism from unions, lawmakers and traditional black cab drivers in London over working conditions.
Barely a week ago a cross-party group of 10 politicians – including Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs – had written to the TfL, urging them not to renew Uber’s licence for operating in the capital, after the metropolitan police in London accused the taxi firm of not reporting all alleged sexual assault cases by drivers on passengers.
Mike Brown, a Labour MP said: “The safety of Londoners must be at the forefront of decisions taken about the taxi and private hire industry in our capital city. We do not believe that Uber has shown itself to be a fit and proper operator.’ It comes after the Metropolitan Police accused Uber of failing to reveal at least six sex attacks and an assault.”
According to Mail Online, in the 12 months leading to February 2017, police recorded 48 allegations of sexual assault involving Uber drivers, reported only by passengers or via TfL. Inspector Neil Billany, the head of the metropolitan police's taxi and private hire unit, accused Uber of being selective about the crimes it reported — informing the police only about “less serious matters”.
As per a TechCrunch report, TfL in its statement lists various points of criticism, including Uber's approach to reporting serious criminal offences, how medical certificates are obtained, how Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks are obtained, and the use of Greyball in London.
Greyball is a piece of software that is often used to block regulatory bodies from gaining full access to the app and prevent officials from undertaking regulatory or law-enforcement duties.
Not just in London, Uber has, for quite some time, received a lot of criticism and experienced a lot of setbacks world over.
Uber’s statement
An Uber spokesperson told Mail Online:
More than 40,000 drivers rely on our app to make a living, with average fares last year of £15 an hour after our service fee. Drivers who use Uber are licensed by Transport for London and have been through the same enhanced background checks as black cab drivers.
Our technology goes further to enhance safety with every trip tracked and recorded by GPS and we employ former Met Police officers who work closely with the police.
Uber has the right to appeal the decision within 21 days.