Humbling of Uber
Taxi app’s future in Scotland in doubt after firm loses London licence over safety fears
‘Address concerns over conduct’
Taxi app Uber was yesterday stripped of its licence to operate in London after being accused of putting its passengers at risk.
in the biggest blow the US tech firm has suffered worldwide, Transport for London (TfL) ruled it is not ‘fit and proper’ to hold a private hire operator licence.
The company’s conduct was deemed to have demonstrated a ‘lack of corporate responsibility’ in areas which could have ‘safety and security implications’.
The move now puts a huge question mark over the firm’s future in Scotland, where it operates in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Uber is very popular, with 3.5million users in London and 65million around the world who choose it because it offers cheap cab rides.
But London Mayor Sadiq Khan said firms must ‘play by the rules’, adding it would be wrong to continue to license Uber if it could pose a threat to the safety of the public.
in a damning indictment, TfL accused Uber of a string of extraordinary failings. it raised concerns about the reporting of serious criminal offences by drivers, and the process used to check drivers’ backgrounds, including whether they have a criminal record.
TfL also questioned the way medical certificates are obtained by Uber drivers to verify they are fit to be at the wheel. This follows cases of drivers securing bogus certificates from GPs for cash.
Uber’s failure to report sexual assaults by drivers prompted an attack by a senior Scotland Yard inspector last month, who accused the firm of putting its reputation above public safety.
Last month it emerged that the man charged with the Buckingham Palace terror attack, Mohiussunnath Chowdhury, was an Uber driver. He allegedly attacked three police officers with a sword.
Scottish Labour has now claimed Uber should be stripped of its licence unless it makes major changes to the way it operates.
The firm’s licence in Edinburgh is due to be considered ahead of its expiration in March.
Uber’s licence in Glasgow, in 2015 the first Scottish city to allow the firm to operate, is not up for renewal until October 2019.
Uber has said it plans to launch in Aberdeen ‘as soon as possible’.
But Labour Glasgow MSP James Kelly said: ‘The arrangements used by Uber seem designed so the company can circumvent regulations and dodge their responsibilities, undermining passenger safety and workers’ rights.
‘if Uber does not take steps to address concerns over their conduct, Scottish licensing boards should consider taking similar action to Transport for London.’
Glasgow City Council said: ‘We have received no complaints in respect of the operation of Uber’s booking office licence.’
The Scottish Government said: ‘The day-to-day administration of taxi and private hire car licensing is a matter for local authorities.’
Uber has been heavily criticised for classing its drivers as ‘customers’ rather than employees to avoid giving them basic rights such as sick pay. Many drivers have complained of earning less than the national living wage – £7.50 for those aged 25 and over.
Maria Ludkin, legal director of the GMB union, which has launched a legal battle against Uber over employment rights, said: ‘No company can be behave like it’s above the law.’
Tensions flared in London yesterday as the ban prompted black cab drivers to jeer and wave ‘goodbye’ to Uber drivers.
But more than 250,000 people signed a petition – set up by Uber – urging a reversal of the ban. Uber said it will appeal in court.
The firm has had to quit several countries, including Denmark and Hungary, and was banned in New Delhi after a driver was accused of raping a passenger. The decision was later overturned.
The firm pulled out of Austin, Texas, when told drivers would need fingerprint checks. Services resumed after this was ended.