No more Uber rides for Londoners as city denies license

Uber has caused controversy in many cities in the world, with many, including especially taxi drivers, denouncing the service. However, London has taken things one step further. Transport for London (TfL) has made the decision not to reissue it a private hire operator license, effectively banning the ride-hailing service in the U.K.’s capital city. Uber will be appealing that decision in court.

Uber not ‘fit and proper’ to hold hire operator license

As reported by the BBC, TfL, in discussions about the Uber ride-hailing app service, have come to the conclusion that the firm is unfit to hold a private hire operator license. In their statement, TfL said they had concluded that Uber demonstrates a lack of corporate responsibility and that this would lead to potential security and safety implications to the public.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan made a statement to show his full support for TfL’s decision, especially if granting Uber a license would potentially “pose a threat to Londoners' safety and security." Speaking for the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association, Steve McNamara agreed that the London mayor had made the “right call” not to continue licensing Uber.

McNamara went on to add that they expect the firm to challenge this and urged the court to uphold the decision, calling it an “immoral company” that has “no place on London's streets."

Ride-hailing service used by millions in London

However, the Evening Standard reports that around 3.5 million Londoners regularly use the Uber app in the city, with some 40,000 drivers performing the service. Compared to the normal taxi and minicab service in the city, the service comes cheap and is gaining popularity.

Uber has said in a statement that it will, indeed, immediately appeal TfL’s decision in court. In its statement, the ride-hailing service accused TfL and Mayor Khan of caving into a few people wishing to restrict consumer choice, adding the latest decision shows the world that London is “closed to innovative companies."

Gridlocks and sexual assault allegations against Uber

Complaints have been rife in London about Uber’s service, with many opponents claiming the vehicles cause gridlocked roads and other driving offenses.

They also say the ride-hailing service doesn’t properly regulate its drivers. Uber has been blamed for its failure in reporting sexual offenses and for not performing proper criminal checks on its drivers. TfL claimed that figures show that allegations of sexual assault or rape against drivers are occurring as often as every 11 days. Meanwhile, unions have also criticized the poor working conditions of its drivers.

Twitter users' reactions to the news are mixed, but mainly for the service, as can be seen below.

While taxi organizations are hailing the decision as a success, it is not over yet. The ride-hailing service has 21 days to launch its appeal against the decision so nothing is yet set in stone.

Uber UK has also launched a petition to Mayor Khan to back up its appeal.

However, the decision will likely cause ripples worldwide wherever the ride-hailing firm currently operates or is trying to operate, as other cities have also openly criticized the service.