Questions over uber’s future in city after london licence decision

QUESTIONS have been raised over the future of taxi firm Uber in Cardiff after Transport for London said it will not be issued with a new licence and was “not fit and proper” to operate in the English capital.

TfL said it took the decision on the grounds of “public safety and security implications”.

But Uber, which is used by 3.5 million people and 40,000 drivers in London, and operates in Cardiff and Newport has hit back, saying it would appeal, claiming the move “would show the world that, far from being open, London is closed to innovative companies”.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said in a statement: “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.”

In response, Cardiff council confirmed it was monitoring the situation in London and would wait to see if the decision was appealed before commenting further.

A spokesman said: “The council is aware that TfL has chosen not to renew Uber’s private hire licence. Given that the company has a right of appeal and subsequent legal action could take place, it would be inappropriate to comment on this decision.

“In Cardiff, Uber was given an operator’s licence in September 2016 for five years. When issuing an operator’s licence, the council has to be satisfied that the applicant is fit and proper to hold the licence. As part of the conditions of this licence, the operator must ensure that they use properly vetted licensed drivers and vehicles.

“As with all operators, the council retains the power to suspend, revoke or refuse to renew an operator licence if there are sufficient grounds to do so. At this stage, the council has no information to suggest Uber are breaching their licence conditions in Cardiff.

“Any decision by the Public Protection Committee to revoke an operator or a driver licence must be based on evidence. The company then has a right to appeal any decision to the magistrates’ court.”

Uber’s general manager in London Tom Elvidge claimed the users of its app “will be astounded by this decision”.

He said: “By wanting to ban our app from the capital, TfL and the mayor have caved in to a small number of people who want to restrict consumer choice.

“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.

“To defend the livelihoods of all those drivers, and the consumer choice of millions of Londoners who use our app, we intend to immediately challenge this in the courts.”

Uber has faced obstacles in a number of cities around the world. It was banned in New Delhi, India, after a driver was accused of raping a female passenger, but the decision was later overturned.

The company pulled out of Austin, Texas, when it was told its drivers would have to undergo fingerprint background checks, but resumed services after the requirement was ended.