Sadiq Khan wants to restrict number of Uber drivers in London
The London mayor is seeking powers to limit the number of Uber drivers operating in the capital, blaming a surge in private hire drivers for the city’s increasing congestion and pollution.
Sadiq Khan said a cap on new licences was an urgent and necessary step. But unlike New York, which announced a cap last week, he is unable to impose restrictions.
Khan urged the government to grant him powers to limit the “unsustainable rise” in drivers to “enable Londoners, like New Yorkers, to breathe better air and live in a less congested city”.
On Tuesday, New York City – Uber’s largest American market – signed into law a one-year moratorium on new licences for vehicles used for ride-hailing services, effectively capping the number of Uber drivers in the city, and also setting a minimum wage for appbased drivers.
The number of licensed private hire drivers in London has almost doubled in less than a decade, from 59,000 in 2009-10 to 114,000 in 2017-18, while the number of black-cab drivers has fallen from 25,000 to just under 24,000.
About 45,000 drivers work for Uber in London, according to the company. Khan said drivers’ livelihoods had also been affected by the rise in numbers.
Uber recently won a 15-month licence to continue operating in London, after its attempt to renew a five-year licence was refused by Transport for London last September.
In a letter to the transport secretary, Chris Grayling, Khan said he was “determined to create a vibrant taxi and private hire market in the capital, with space for all providers to flourish”.
But, he added, “the huge increase in private hire drivers on London’s roads in recent years is causing increased congestion, polluting our air and leaving many drivers struggling to make enough money to support themselves and their families”.
The Department for Transport last year commissioned a “task and finish group” – comprising MPs, DfT officials, Transport for London, unions and members of the trade – to look into taxi and private hire licensing.
The DfT said the group had now submitted a report and it was considering their recommendations.
An Uber spokesperson said: “Uber is committed to helping address congestion and air pollution and we strongly support the Mayor’s ultra low emission zone.
“Already more than half of the miles travelled with Uber are in hybrid or electric vehicles. By competing with private cars, getting more people into fewer vehicles and investing in our clean air plan, we can be a part of solution in London.”