{"id":18014,"date":"2017-09-22T11:23:07","date_gmt":"2017-09-22T15:23:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/?p=18014"},"modified":"2026-04-08T13:16:07","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T13:16:07","slug":"uber-loses-license-operate-london-september-30-2017","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/uber-loses-license-operate-london-september-30-2017\/","title":{"rendered":"Uber Loses License to Operate in London as of September 30, 2017"},"content":{"rendered":"

Uber has lost its license to operate in London, UK after Transport For London (TFL), the transport regulator for London, refused to renew its operating license. TFL concluded that Uber was not a \u201cFit and Proper\u201d company to hold a private hire permit. The current Uber license expires on September 30, 2017.<\/p>\n

\"London<\/p>\n

Despite the setback, Uber has 21 days to appeal the decision. Once an appeal is lodged the company will be able to continue its operations until it is decided.<\/p>\n

Why Did TFL Cancel Uber\u2019s Permit<\/span><\/h2>\n

The main issue that led TFL to cancel Uber\u2019s permit was stated as \u201cUber\u2019s approach and conduct demonstrate a lack of corporate responsibility.\u201d This perceived lack of responsibility particularly relates to the company\u2019s handling of drivers\u2019 background checks, reporting serious criminal offenses, and obtaining medical certificates.<\/p>\n

TFL also stated that it has serious concerns about Uber\u2019s use of special software called Greyball<\/a> to foil the attempts by regulators worldwide to scrutinize the company.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Supporters & Opponents<\/span><\/h2>\n

The move was welcomed by several groups, not surprisingly by the most vocal Licensed Taxi Drivers\u2019 Association, which represents London\u2019s famous Black Cab drivers\u2014who have been Uber\u2019s arch nemesis in the UK since it started.<\/p>\n

On the other hand, the ruling has been heavily criticized by far more groups including politicians as well as regular Londoners. Politicians have complained that this is an assault on employment, with 40,000 drivers losing their jobs, and many commuters complaining that they have had their access to cheap affordable transport cut off.<\/p>\n

Uber has gone on the offensive, declaring that it will appeal the decision, and even accused London Mayor Sadiq Khan and TFL of overseeing a Closed London policy instead of the Open London policy they promote.<\/p>\n

Overall<\/span><\/h2>\n

It will take some time for this Saga to play out in the courts, with both sides of the argument applying a significant political pressure to get their way. Either way, it will be touch and go for Uber and the Mayor. However, in the long run, the millions of Uber users in London will probably be enough of a political threat to win Uber a reprieve.<\/p>\n

Source: <\/em>The Guardian<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

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