Uber has been given just a two-month licence to continue operating in London.
The ride-hailing firm has been told it must meet new conditions to ‘ensure passenger safety’ if it wants to carry on operating in the capital.
The decision was made this morning by Transport for London (TfL) and comes amid criticism of the company by the body and London Mayor.
Uber has 45,000 drivers in the city but there are concerns over the way the company has reported serious criminal offences and conducted driver background checks.
In 2017, TfL rejected Uber’s bid to renew the licence that was first granted in 2012. T
hat was challenged and in 2018, a judge granted them a probationary 15-month licence, which expires on September 25
. Uber has now been told they can continue to operate for another two months but they must provide ‘additional material’ ahead of another licencing application.
A TfL spokesperson said: ‘Uber London Limited has been granted a two-month private hire operator licence to allow for scrutiny of additional information that we are requesting ahead of consideration of any potential further licensing application.’
The new conditions set by TfL cover ride-sharing, appropriate insurance and driver document checks by Uber.
Traditional black cab drivers have lobbied hard against a licence renewal, having long cited safety issues, working standards and the undercutting of their business model.
Uber claim their drivers enjoy the flexibility of their work and they have taken several steps to improve safety for passengers.
London is the biggest market for Uber within Europe. Mayor Sadiq Khan, who is also the chairman of TfL, has long been critical of Uber, telling LBC radio last month that they need to play by the rules.
‘You will know my track record which is standing up to the big boys, and they are boys, and make sure everyone plays by the rules,’ he told listeners to a phone-in.
‘I don’t care how many lawyers you employ or how big your PR budget.’
Fellow ride-hailing service Ola gained just a 15-month right to operate earlier this year, in a possible sign that the regulator wants to have more power over new entrants.
Uber said that they had improved their culture over the last two years, including new safety features in the app and better protection for drivers.
Regional General Manager for Northern and Eastern Europe, Jamie Heywood, said: ‘TfL’s recognition of our improved culture and governance reflects the progress we have made in London.
We will continue to work closely with TfL and provide any additional requested information.
‘Over the past two years, we’ve launched a range of new safety features in the app, introduced better protections for drivers and our Clean Air Plan is helping to tackle air pollution.
‘We will keep listening, learning and improving to provide the best service while being a trusted partner to London.’
