London (September 23, 2017): London’s transport authority announced on Friday that it will not renew Uber’s license, saying the company is not “fit and proper” to operate in the city.
The move, if upheld after an appeal, could deal a serious blow to Uber’s business. Transport for London cited the company’s approach to reporting serious criminal offenses, and the way it explained its use of software that prevents regulators and law enforcement from monitoring the app.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said he “fully supports” the decision to not renew the license when it expires September 30.
“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,” he said in a statement. “Providing an innovative service must not be at the expense of customer safety and security.”
Uber said in a statement that it would “immediately challenge this in the courts.” It can continue to operate while it appeals.
“Transport for London and the mayor have caved in to a small number of people who want to restrict consumer choice,” Uber said. “If this decision stands, it will put more than 40,000 licensed drivers out of work and deprive Londoners of a convenient and affordable form of transport.”
Uber said that its controversial software, called “Greyball,” had “never been used or considered in the U.K. for the purposes cited by (Transport for London).”
London’s traditional “Black Cab” taxi drivers have challenged Uber’s insistence that its drivers are self-employed and raised concerns about Uber passenger safety.
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