Uber Granted License to Operate in London

Sep. 28, 2020

Uberlost its license to operate in Londonback in November last year following Transport for London (TfL)’s decision to revoke its license based on security concerns. Soon after the incident, Indian ride-hailing companyOla started its operationsin the city andmanaged to attract over 10,000 drivers. In response to Uber’s appeal last December, a judge in the Westminster Magistrates Court has todayrestored the company’s license to operate in London for 18 months.

“Despite their historical failings, I find them, now, to be a fit and proper person to hold a London PHV operator’s licence…I am satisfied that they are doing what a reasonable business in their sector could be expected to do, perhaps even more,”saiddeputy chief magistrate Tanweer Ikram in his ruling.

Soon after the court order, Uber London haspublished a blog postdetailing a number of safety and security features the company has added over the years including Real-Time ID Check andSafety Toolkit. According to Uber,over 45,000 private drivers regularly use the Uber app.

“This decision is a recognition of Uber’s commitment to safety and we will continue to work constructively with TfL. There is nothing more important than the safety of the people who use the Uber app as we work together to keep London moving,”said Jamie Heywood, Uber’s regional general manager for Northern and Eastern Europe.

Subin writes about consumer tech, software, and security. He secretly misses the headphone jack while pretending he’s better off with the wireless freedom.