Photo: Luciano Mortula - LGM/Shutterstock

Uber Loses License to Operate in London

London News
by Eben Diskin Nov 25, 2019

If you regularly depend on Uber to get around London, it may be time to rethink that Oyster card. The Transport for London (TfL) agency has identified a number of passenger safety breaches by the popular ride-sharing app, leading the regulator to deny the renewal of Uber’s operating license in the British capital.

According to Agence France-Presse, Uber has 3.5 million customers and about 50,000 drivers in London.

One of the most dangerous breaches permitted unauthorized drivers to upload their photos to the accounts of legitimate drivers, allowing them to pick up passengers even though the rides were uninsured. Another major breach allowed dismissed or suspended drivers to create another Uber account and carry passengers.

Helen Chapman, director of licensing, regulation and charging at TfL, said, “As the regulator of private hire services in London we are required to make a decision today on whether Uber is fit and proper to hold a license. Safety is our absolute top priority. While we recognise Uber has made improvements, it is unacceptable that Uber has allowed passengers to get into minicabs with drivers who are potentially unlicensed and uninsured.”

Uber has 21 days to appeal the decision and prove that it’s safe for passengers to use. The ride-sharing app can continue to operate during that time.

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