Two-month reprieve at Uber

UBER has been granted a stay of execution in London, with authorities granting it a twomonth extension to its operating licence.

The ride-hailing firm was accused two years ago by Transport for London (TfL) of not being ‘fit and proper’ to hold a licence in the capital.

It was also criticised for failing to report serious criminal offences including sexual assaults by drivers on their passengers. Other alleged failings included how drivers’ medical certificates were obtained, and how criminal record checks on drivers were carried out.

Uber successfully appealed against a decision by the authority to revoke its licence last year. In June 2018, a judge granted it a 15-month licence.

Just a day before this was due to run out, TfL yesterday said the firm could continue operating for now but warned that it needed ‘additional material’ to grant a longer permit.

The US company also faces new conditions ‘to ensure passenger safety’. TfL did not provide detail about what information it would request. It said the extra conditions concerned taxi sharing, insurance and driver document checks by Uber.

TfL claimed its decision had led to Uber improving its culture and governance.

Jamie Heywood, Uber’s regional general manager for northern and eastern Europe, said: ‘TfL’s recognition of our improved culture and governance reflects the progress we have made in London.

‘We will continue to work with TfL and provide any additional requested information.’