Uber appeals London’s ban on license

SAN FRANCISCO — Uber Technologies Inc. on Friday appealed a London regulator’s decision to revoke the car service’s license as it seeks more settlement talks.

Uber, which can continue to operate during its appeal, was banned by Transport for London on Sept. 22 over safety concerns and the company’s attempts to avoid regulation.

“We hope to continue having constructive discussions with Transport for London,” Uber said Friday in an emailed statement. “We are determined to make things right.”

The capital’s authorities said the San Francisco-based company hasn’t properly reported crimes or done adequate background checks on drivers, concluding the firm doesn’t pass the “fit and proper” test to operate. A petition launched by Uber to protest Transport for London’s decision has gathered more than 800,000 signatures.

The penalty — and other global setbacks — forced Uber to change management and improve its corporate culture. Uber is also facing challenges around the world over its classification of drivers as contractors rather than full-time employees. Executives have been keen to flag the company’s new conciliatory approach, with Uber’s new Chief Executive Officer Dara Khosrowshahi flying to London to smooth relations with transport regulators in its largest European market.