LONDON OPS LICENCE

Transport authority says company’s approach and conduct has raised concerns

LONDON and the decision adds to woes for Uber’s new boss Dara Khosrowshahi following a string of controversies.

The company said the decision would “show the world that, far from being open, London is closed to innovative companies”.

“By wanting to ban our app from the capital, Transport for London and the mayor have caved in to a small number of people who want to restrict consumer choice,” the company said in a statement.

TfL highlighted the company’s approach to reporting serious criminal offences and to obtaining criminal record checks for drivers as factors in its decision.

The company came under scrutiny in Britain after it emerged that drivers had committed dozens of rapes and sexual assaults and when one of their drivers used his vehicle in a recent terror attack on Buckingham Palace.

It also questioned the process through which drivers obtain their medical certificates and the practice of “greyballing”, when the company uses a fake version of its app to fool regulators in cities in which it is banned.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said he fully supported the decision. “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,” he said.

“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.”

London's traditional “black cab” drivers have long campaigned against the service, and welcomed yesterday’s decision. Reuters