Uber appeal over TFL ban keeps its cars in the capital

UBER has filed an appeal over Transport for London (TFL) banning the app from the capital, with a spokesman confirming that the company lodged a challenge at Westminster magistrates’ court yesterday.

It allows Uber to continue operating in London even after its licence has expired. TFL refused to renew Uber’s private hire licence last month, saying the company was not “fit and proper” to operate and accusing it of a string of failings over passenger safety.

While Uber says it wants to resolve the situation peacefully, it had to appeal against the decision by the end of Friday to keep its 40,000 drivers on the road. A first hearing is expected on Dec 11.

“While we have today filed our appeal so that Londoners can continue using our app, we hope to continue having constructive discussions with Transport for London. As our new CEO has said, we are determined to make things right,” a spokesman said. Since the ban, Uber has launched a charm offensive with TFL. Dara Khosrowshahi, its new chief executive, flew into London last week to hold meetings with regulators, and more talks are expected over the coming weeks.

London mayor Sadiq Khan’s tone on the company has softened recently and he has suggested the app could continue to operate. An online petition calling for the decision to be reversed has been signed by more than 850,000 people, although polling has suggested Londoners are divided on the issue.

A TFL spokesman said: “We note that Uber has submitted an appeal. No further comment will be made pending the appeal hearing.”